Jump to content
Bills Fans Gear Now Available! ×
Featured
BillsFans Staff Writer
BillsFans Staff Writer

Who Are the Bills Mafia?

   (4 reviews)

Image Credit: © JAMIE GERMANO-USA TODAY Sports

   

   If you are a fan of football, you are probably very familiar with one of the top rising teams in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills. Not only have they developed into quite the football powerhouse, but they have quite a loyal fan base following as well. If you're wondering what Buffalo Bill Fans are called, you are about to be educated about some of the greatest fans there are - the Buffalo Bills Mafia.
     

    Don't let the "mafia" part of the name throw you for a loop. This simply means that they are a bit exuberant and over the top at times with their love for their Buffalo Bills, but when it comes to football, aren't we all?
     

    This post will give you a bit more education and information about the Buffalo Bills Mafia so that you can compare the loyalty of your love of football and quite possibly even consider becoming part of the Buffalo Bills Mafia yourself.

   

Why are they called the Buffalo Bills?    

    Before jumping into the Mafia facts, it is important to start with a bit of information about the football team. They are actually called the Buffalo Bills because of a public contest that was run back in the '40s. The winning entry that was selected meant that the football team's future name would be "Buffalo Bills," which was chosen in honor of Buffalo Bill Cody.
     

    And since the football team has always been located in the Buffalo, NY area, it just makes sense that that is the first part of this NFL team's name.

 

MozJPEG USATSI_17513503.jpg
     © Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports   

What is the Buffalo Bills Mafia?

    It is hard to believe that the term Bills Mafia has been around for a decade!
     

    It started in a Stevie Johnson tweet (since deleted) after a dropped pass in a big game:

    "I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO..."
     

    Many hours later,  ESPN’s Adam Schefter retweeted Johnson.  A few Bills fans took to Twitter to mock Schefter and his "breaking news." The original term #BillsMafia was used by Del Reid on "Follow Friday" on Twitter back in the spring of 2011. It was a whimsical reference to how big and bad a small group of Bills fans were that their jokes caused them to be blocked by Adam Schefter for their #SchefterBreakingNews teasing in response to his late RT of Stevie Johnson. 

    When linebacker Nick Barnett said he liked the term in August of 2011, #BillsMafia took off as a movement.
     

    If you think of the most boisterous fans you know, multiple that by thousands, and you have a good representation of the Bills Mafia. They are loud, proud, and are some of the truest die-hard fans in professional sports.

   

Bills Mafia Facts versus Fiction

    A point that confuses many people about the word "mafia" in the name of a sports fan base is because the term "mafia" is associated with illegal activity and thought of as dangerous and out to cause trouble. Nothing could be further from the truth in the case of the Buffalo Bills fans! In fact, Bills Mafia was a tongue-in-cheek lighthearted joke directed at an ESPN professional that has grown into a fan base that is embraced for their passion by players, fans, and ownership alike.
 

    Are they loud? Sure.
 

    Are they a bit wild at times? Of course - what football fans aren't?
 

    While their voices might be loud, they want people to know that they're really focused on providing good quality support for the Buffalo Bills football team because of their love of the game.  
    And last but not least, the Bills Mafia fan base is actually quite generous with their donations. Over the years, they have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to pediatric hospitals and organizations and foundations that are supported by opposing players and teams.

 

    Not only do they have tremendous pride in their football team, but they also have a huge giving spirit.
   

 MozJPEG USATSI_17513864.jpg

© Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports   

Why do Bills fans break tables?

    This is actually one of the most common things people think about when they think about Buffalo Bills fans. There was an instance, or maybe quite a few instances, where this was a "thing." Maybe it was a publicity stunt, or maybe it was just because they were drinking a little bit too much at the tailgate - but regardless, this is not the norm for Bills fans.
     

    It is also important to note that table jumping is not directly tied to the Bills Mafia, although there could have been some that did participate in the occasional table slamming/breaking.
 

    Recently, the Buffalo Bills Organization saw that Bills Mafia as so synonymous with the fan-base that they trademarked the term (with the blessing of Del Reid).
     

    If you are a football fan and have a true love of the game, you know what it's like to be a fan. Whether it is watching games, going to the games, wearing branded sports material, or just vocalizing their support, Buffalo Bills fans are among the world's greatest fans.  Bills Mafia is a true "family" in the sense that they stand by their Buffalo Bills through thick and through thin. It is pretty safe to say that there have been some pretty rough years for the Buffalo Bills, and by extension, their fan base.
     

    However, millions of Bills Mafia fans are standing by, and standing with, the Buffalo Bills. They know that every weekend during football season has the potential to be a chance to grow, upset, and win - and those are three things that are worth betting on and supporting every single week.  
     

    The next time you are ready to see a loyal fan base that has stood by their team through the good, the bad, and the ugly, take a peek at the Bills Mafia to see how it is truly done.

 

Come join the best fan base in professional sports.

 

Go Bills!

 

 

 

User Feedback

Guest

Billsfan1959

   2 of 2 members found this review helpful 2 / 2 members

Nice write-up. I have followed this team for over fifty years and there isn't a more loyal, passionate fan base in all of of sports. All the more remarkable when you consider the fact that there have been far more lows than highs in the history of this franchise. Proud to be part of this fan base.

Share this review


Link to review
Number 9

   2 of 2 members found this review helpful 2 / 2 members

Fantastic!!

Share this review


Link to review
Foxx

   2 of 2 members found this review helpful 2 / 2 members

Love the Bills Mafia. Hoping we can get the band back together for the playoff run!

Share this review


Link to review
Ann

   1 of 1 member found this review helpful 1 / 1 member

Best fans in the world! Who else shows up at an airport at 1:30 am to greet a plane when it is 35 degrees out?

Share this review


Link to review

  • Easy Tailgating Dip Recipes

    The Bills return home to Buffalo and are playing at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY, this Sunday as they host the Miami Dolphins.    There's nothing skinny about these dip recipes! And they all look amazing. Easy-to-make dips for home-gating or tailgating. So, take a dip as the Bills attempt to Squish the Fish this weekend!   Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside lot or doing your own little tailgating celebration in a stadium parking lot or in your back

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Easy Tailgating Recipes

    Wow, it has been a while since the Buffalo Bills had a home game. I bet your ready to tailgate?  This week's tailgating menu consists of very easy recipes sure to please your friends and family!   The Bills take on the Tennessee Titans this Monday evening in Buffalo at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.   Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside lot or doing your own little tailgating celebration in a stadium parking lot or in your backyard or den, these terr

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Monday Night Tailgating Recipes

    Are you ready for some Monday Night Football tailgating!? The Bills take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Monday evening in Buffalo at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.   The Buffalo Bills second home game of the year is a great time for home-gating, tailgating, and good football food while watching the game.     Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside lot or doing your own little tailgating celebration in a stadium parking lot or in your backyard or

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Home Opener Tailgate Recipes

    Sunday is the home opener versus the Arizona Cardinals in Buffalo at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.   The Buffalo Bills home opener is finally here, and it would not be hyperbole to say that Bills Mafia is looking forward to the 2024 NFL season. We all have high hopes for the Buffalo Bills this year.   Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside lot or doing your own little tailgating celebration in a stadium parking lot, these terrific tailgating recipes mi

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Ring in the New Year Tailgating Recipes

    This Sunday, Buffalo's last regular season home game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park is against the New England Patriots.   Taking into consideration this season as a whole and that we are about to ring in a New Year, I decided a nice stiff drink was in order. These ciders, mulled wines, spiked hot chocolate, and coffee recipes are just what this fanbase needs to close out the season at home. (Over 21 crowd, of course) So make up a thermos to take along to tailgate or make up a slow cook

    Home Tailgating Menus
  • Josh's underthrown ball is intercepted by NE CB Alex Austin

    Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Alex Austin (28) makes an interception on a pass intended for Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    Bills Fans before the '23 Home Opener against the Las Vegas Raiders

    Sep 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans pose for a photo while tailgating prior to the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    Dalton looks for yardage

    Sep 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) makes a catch during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. 

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    Gabe Davis is tackled by Patriots CB JC Jackson

    Oct 22, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13) runs against New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson (29) during the first half at Gillette Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    Reggie Gilliam forces a fumble on the opening kickoff

    Nov 19, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills full back Reggie Gilliam (41) tackles and knocks the ball loose from New York Jets wide receiver Xavier Gipson (82) during the first half at Highmark Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue., Guidelines