Buffalo Bills fans can shake Ralph Wilson's (statue's) hand this fall

Every Buffalo Bills fan will be able to approach the late Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. personally and shake his hand. That's the message his widow, Mary, shared this week as details continued to be released for his life-sized statue in front of the stadium that bears his name.

"The fans will be able to go up and shake Ralph's hand," Mary Wilson told The Buffalo News. "Because he was so approachable."

The Bills' franchise founder passed away in March of 2014, and the team plans to unveil a statue of the founder prior to this year's season opener. Mary has been very happy with how the new owners, Kim and Terry Pegula, have transitioned into their role while honoring her late husband. She also plans on attending all of the Bills' home games in 2015, though she won't intrude on the Pegulas in any way, shape, or form. The admiration between the new and old ownership group is remarkable.

"I am so thrilled with the Pegulas," said Mrs. Wilson. "They have honored Ralph's legacy and what he means to Buffalo in such a grand way. I am so happy with them."

Mrs. Wilson also loves the nickname for the Bills' home. The statue and the moniker both share one theme:

"'The Ralph?' I love it. Oh my God, how could you not love it? It shows familiarity, and that was Ralph," she continued. "I love it being called 'The Ralph', and it will never stop being called 'The Ralph.'"

As Mr. Pegula noted last week, it will stay that way for the foreseeable future.