Buffalo is a Sacred Place to Play a Football Game

[hondo in seattle]

Many, many years ago, I used to tell people that Bills fans were the best in the country.  But people would tell me that "No, Steeler fans are."  Or Pack fans.  Or whoever.  And, of course, I'd also hear a dismissive, "Everyone thinks their hometown fans are the best."   I tried to explain things were truly different in Buffalo, but all I got in return were condescending smiles.  

 

I remember once during the Kelly era hearing a report that said there were at least 20,000 people outside Rich Stadium for a big game with another 80,000 inside.  Roughly 10% of the metro population showed up for the Bills!  What other team draws 10% of the population to a game (other than Green Bay)?  

 

I think it's great that the passion of Bills fans is finally being recognized.  Everyone across the NFL knows the Bills Mafia.  And recently, Travis Kelce had this to say:

 

"Going up to Buffalo's not an easy thing. That stadium was rocking. That place was electric. Shout out to all the Bills Mafia that was talking all the [expletive] in the world. I love it. It's a sacred place to play a football game. I cherish every game that I get an opportunity to go up there."

 

 

[Thurman#1]

Nice!!

[dayman]

You trying to get us to like Travis Kelce? Not going work.

[Augie]

I try to do one home game and one road game a year. I have yet to see anything that rivals a Bills game live in Orchard Park. I’ve not been to every venue, but I know we hold up very well against anyone. When my boys turned 16 I took them from Florida to The Ralph as a rite of passage. I would not have done that in Cincinnati or most NFL cities. That tells you something. 

 

Also, the title made me wonder about those Indian burial grounds, so I’ll just go ahead and mention that I hope that was only on that side of Abbot Rd. Like, we’re good (enough) now, right? I hope we can win them over for the effort! 

 

 

.

Edited 2 hours ago by Augie

[Pete]

I know a few people who lived briefly in Buffalo before moving far away, and they are all huge Bills fans.  One was a a female doctor who was friends with my Mother. She briefly worked there.  She said she did not even like sports, but she could not help but love the Bills after spending time out there.  
 

I read an article about Shawne “lights out” Merriman.  He said the best thing that ever happened to him was playing for the Bills.  He was at the end of his great career, and broken down.   But he said it was the best, because how the community treated him, how good Buffalo made him feel.  He said every player should get a chance to play for Buff.  It’s a special place

[RyanC883]

Is this Kelce’s PR agent?  

[Augie]

7 minutes ago, Pete said:

I know a few people who lived briefly in Buffalo before moving far away, and they are all huge Bills fans.  One was a a female doctor who was friends with my Mother. She briefly worked there.  She said she did not even like sports, but she could not help but love the Bills after spending time out there.  
 

I read an article about Shawne “lights out” Merriman.  He said the best thing that ever happened to him was playing for the Bills.  He was at the end of his great career, and broken down.   But he said it was the best, because how the community treated him, how good Buffalo made him feel.  He said every player should get a chance to play for Buff.  It’s a special place

 

You can love him or hate him, but Colin Cowherd talks about how his wife used to cover Buffalo as part of her region in whatever job she had. He says she insists the people of WNY are the nicest anywhere. I don’t disagree. 

[Pete]

15 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

You can love him or hate him, but Colin Cowherd talks about how his wife used to cover Buffalo as part of her region in whatever job she had. He says she insists the people of WNY are the nicest anywhere. I don’t disagree. 

Hey Augie- I thought I was responding to Exiled lol

 

Buffalo is the city of good neighbors.  We went on a family vacation - our 80 year old neighbor cut our lawn while we were away.  I’m happy that my first 10 years were in Buffalo.  I cherish my time there

Edited 2 hours ago by Pete

[Clyde Smith]

Yeah cause it's played on a sacred burial ground. 

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

Here’s to hoping it’s the last time Travis sees old Highmark (meant in a good way for our team) 😂

[BuffaloMatt]

F*CK Travis Swift

[ColoradoBills]

12 minutes ago, Clyde Smith said:

Yeah cause it's played on a sacred burial ground. 

 

Yes.  Now the new stadium location is going to bring out all the true heart of the location, and we will see 3 Superbowl's in the next 5 years.

[Gilberto]

I was born in Buffalo but grew up in another state. I now live across the country, but I still love the Bills. It's a special thing, being a Bills fan. It is an instant connection with a stranger. Its a way for me to connect with my family. I recently flew back to Buffalo to attend the Chiefs game in person, and I was shocked at how visible the Bills were just driving around town. Every where I looked I saw Bills flags or people wearing gear. Not used to the plethora of Bills fans, I even made the silly mistake of saying "Go Bills" to a guy at a gas station who was wearing a hat. He just looked at me strange lol and said "uhh yeah", as if Obviously. Western NY is a very special place. I could not imagine the city of Buffalo without the Bills. WHEN they do win the superbowl (IT WILL HAPPEN), I think I would prefer to go back to Buffalo for the parade, rather than actually go watch the game. 

[Augie]

36 minutes ago, Pete said:

Hey Augie- I thought I was responding to Exiled lol

 

Buffalo is the city of good neighbors.  We went on a family vacation - our 80 year old neighbor cut our lawn while we were away.  I’m happy that my first 10 years were in Buffalo.  I cherish my time there

 

I swear it’s just a couple hours ago that my buddy from across the street when we were kids was texting me with pics of both of our old houses. He went back and took his grown son and a couple friends to the Chiefs game last week. It was a bonding event for them, and that’s very cool. We were just texting how great it was to grow up where we did, when we did. I feel I was very fortunate. 

[Mojo44]

1 hour ago, hondo in seattle said:

Many, many years ago, I used to tell people that Bills fans were the best in the country.  But people would tell me that "No, Steeler fans are."  Or Pack fans.  Or whoever.  And, of course, I'd also hear a dismissive, "Everyone thinks their hometown fans are the best."   I tried to explain things were truly different in Buffalo, but all I got in return were condescending smiles.  

 

I remember once during the Kelly era hearing a report that said there were at least 20,000 people outside Rich Stadium for a big game with another 80,000 inside.  Roughly 10% of the metro population showed up for the Bills!  What other team draws 10% of the population to a game (other than Green Bay)?  

 

I think it's great that the passion of Bills fans is finally being recognized.  Everyone across the NFL knows the Bills Mafia.  And recently, Travis Kelce had this to say:

 

"Going up to Buffalo's not an easy thing. That stadium was rocking. That place was electric. Shout out to all the Bills Mafia that was talking all the [expletive] in the world. I love it. It's a sacred place to play a football game. I cherish every game that I get an opportunity to go up there."

 

 

Huzzah!