ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The number 78 will never again be worn by a Buffalo Bills player, as the franchise announced Wednesday morning the number will be retired Sept. 15 in honor of Bruce Smith.
Smith, an all-time NFL great, spent 15 seasons with the Bills and is the NFL's all-time sacks leader with 200. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Smith said he learned about the honor on Monday, just one day after Mother's Day. Smith's mother died two years ago.
"She would've been very proud, extremely proud," Smith said. "She was there for my induction and I know she's watching, watching down from afar, and she's one of those angels that's continuing to pray for me so, very blessed."
Smith's 78 will join Jim Kelly's 12 as the only retired numbers in club history.
Number 78 hasn't been worn since Smith left the Bills in 1999.
The Bills home opener is vs. the New York Jets, on a Thursday night.