Ex-Bills center Hull, a three-time Pro Bowl pick, dies at 50

Kent Hull, who served as Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly's center during the Buffalo Bills' AFC title years in the early 1990s, has died. He was 50.

Mississippi State University, where Hull played his college football, announced that he passed away Tuesday afternoon. Coroner Will Gnemi in Leflore County, Miss., said Wednesday that the cause of Hull's death was intestinal bleeding.

Hull, a three-time Pro Bowl selection during 11 seasons with the Bills, was credited for playing a key role in helping run the team's no-huddle "K-Gun" offense. The Bills honored Hull in 2002 by placing his name on the Ralph Wilson Stadium's Wall of Fame.

Hull broke into pro football in 1983 with the USFL's New Jersey Generals, where he eventually was joined by Kelly in 1986, just before the league folded. The two then headed to the Bills, the team that still held the rights to Kelly after selecting him in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft.

Hull also joined Kelly in announcing his retirement following the 1996 season.

The Bills released a statement Wednesday, mourning Hull's passing.

"The Buffalo Bills organization is deeply saddened with the passing of Kent Hull," the Bills said in the statement. "Kent was a great team leader from our Super Bowl years and the anchor of our Pro Bowl offensive line. To those who knew him, he will long be remembered as the epitome of toughness. But more so, he was a great man who cared deeply for his family, his friends and his teammates."

Hull's sudden death left his former teammates, Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy and even their respective families inconsolable Tuesday.

"I'm so, so saddened," Levy said. "I coached for 47 years, and he honestly was one of the very most memorable individuals who was my privilege to coach."

Levy's wife, Fran, was so heartbroken that she openly sobbed upon learning the news. Patti Thomas, the wife of Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas, also had difficulty speaking because she was overcome by emotion when reached by telephone.

In an email to The Associated Press, Thurman Thomas wrote: "We have suffered a tremendous loss. Kent was a teammate, big brother and best friend. My heart breaks for His amazing family. My heart breaks period. He will be a best friend and in my heart forever."

Kelly released the following statement: "Words fall short when the pain runs so deep. I'm finding it hard to describe what this loss means to me and my family. Kent Hull was my best friend. A man of great courage, faith and character. He will be missed and never forgotten. My family and I will continue to pray for Kent's wife Kay and his two children, Drew and Ellen as they grieve the loss of this great man."

Funeral arrangements hadn't yet been announced.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.