Legendary NFL coach Marv Levy is poised to commemorate a momentous milestone, his 100th birthday, with a special celebration at the iconic Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This significant event honors a man whose influence on the game of football spans decades, leaving an indelible mark on players, colleagues, and an entire fan base, particularly those of the Buffalo Bills.
The centennial tribute for the esteemed Buffalo Bills coach will seamlessly integrate with the Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremonies, ensuring a gathering of many fellow football luminaries and former associates. Levy conveyed his profound gratitude for the anticipated celebration and the unwavering support from former players, coaches, cherished friends, and devoted family members who plan to attend this historic occasion.
With characteristic wit, Levy lightheartedly remarked to the Associated Press, “Well, I’d prefer to be turning 25, to tell you the truth,” before expressing sincere appreciation for his remarkable life journey. He openly acknowledged a long-held secret: for years, he had intentionally shaved three years off his actual age. This strategic decision was made out of a genuine concern that NFL teams might hesitate to hire a coach perceived as being too old, particularly when he joined the Buffalo Bills in 1986 at what was truly 61 years old.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame celebration is scheduled to take place this Friday in Canton, Ohio. Marv Levy will undertake the six-hour journey from his Chicago residence in what he playfully described as a “special vehicle.” This special birthday event harmonizes with this year’s Hall of Fame induction festivities, which will also honor new inductees such as Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Sterling Sharpe, further elevating the stature of the weekend.
Levy’s illustrious coaching odyssey commenced in the early 1950s at Country Day School in St. Louis, Missouri, subsequently guiding collegiate programs at New Mexico, California, and William & Mary. His professional trajectory further included a highly successful tenure in the Canadian Football League, where he masterminded two Grey Cup championships with the Montreal Alouettes, showcasing his diverse coaching prowess before his legendary NFL run.
Among Marv Levy’s most enduring legacies is his iconic rallying cry, “Where else would you rather be than right here, right now,” a phrase that transcended the locker room to become a profound motto for the Buffalo Bills and their fervent fan base. Beyond his coaching triumphs, Levy also served his country with distinction in the Army Air Corps during World War II, later returning to the Bills organization in 2006 for a two-season stint as general manager.
Even at 100, Levy remains a passionate advocate for former Buffalo Bills special teams standout, Steve Tasker, relentlessly campaigning for Tasker’s long-overdue induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tasker, deeply moved by Levy’s unwavering support, quipped to the Associated Press, “Marv’s a hall of famer in every sense of the word. He’s a hall of fame human being and a hall of fame coach. And if his campaign to get me in the Hall of Fame keeps him alive, I hope I never get in.” This demonstrates the profound mutual respect and enduring bond between the NFL coach and his former player.
The enduring influence of Marv Levy extends to the current generation of Buffalo Bills leadership. Head coach Sean McDermott, who shares an alma mater with Levy in William & Mary, continues to seek his counsel and guidance. McDermott reverently stated to the AP, “It’s one of the great honors of coaching the Buffalo Bills is to follow a coach like Marv Levy,” underscoring the deep respect and admiration within the NFL coaching fraternity for Levy’s wisdom and legacy.
As the centennial celebration approaches, Marv Levy expresses profound humility for the attention, expressing gratitude that his remarkable story continues to resonate with so many. He concluded his interview with the Associated Press, which formed the basis for much of this reporting, with a simple yet powerful farewell that resonates deeply with football fans everywhere: “Go Bills.” His story, enriched by contributions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and official NFL records, truly exemplifies an unparalleled life in sports.
