Through blizzards, heartbreaks, and triumphs, one thing remains constant: the unwavering devotion of Bills Mafia. This isn’t just a fan base; it’s a family.
What is ‘Bills Mafia’?
To the world, Bills Mafia might mean wild tailgates and fans diving through folding tables. But to Buffalo, it’s so much more—it’s a bond. “Mafia” means family, and in Buffalo, that family is one of the most loyal, spirited, and charitable in all of sports.
Born in 2011 as an inside joke on X (formerly Twitter), “Bills Mafia” was coined by die-hard fans Del Reid, Breyon Harris, and Leslie Wille. What started as a playful hashtag has grown into a powerful, united movement that’s embraced by fans, players, and the franchise itself.
And in true Buffalo fashion, this Mafia is known not just for its passion, but for its heart. They’ve transformed what it means to be a fan by turning that love for their team into real action that changes lives.
How Did ‘Bills Mafia’ Begin?
It all started with a tweet. Back in 2010, after a crushing overtime loss to the Steelers, Bills receiver Stevie Johnson posted a heartfelt tweet questioning his faith after a game-deciding drop. When NFL insider Adam Schefter retweeted it a day later, fans Del Reid and friends couldn’t help but troll him with playful #SchefterBreakingNews memes. The result? Schefter blocked them—and an idea was born.
Reid jokingly encouraged fans to follow all the Bills supporters Schefter had blocked. The hashtag #BillsMafia gained traction, and by the next season, players like Stevie Johnson, Fred Jackson, and Nick Barnett were proudly using the term. The rest is history.
More Than Just Football Fans
While Bills Mafia may not be a charity, its impact is undeniable. This fan family takes pride in lifting others up, whether through donations, kind words, or community support.
- 2017: When Bengals QB Andy Dalton’s victory helped Buffalo end a 17-year playoff drought, Bills fans showed their gratitude by donating $415,000 to his foundation for sick children. The Dalton family paid it forward with a donation to Buffalo’s Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- 2021: After Ravens QB Lamar Jackson left a playoff game injured, Bills fans honored him by donating nearly $500,000 to Blessings in a Backpack, supporting children in need.
- Josh Allen’s Grandmother’s Legacy: In 2019, after the passing of QB Josh Allen’s grandmother, Bills Mafia raised over $1.4 million for Buffalo’s Oishei Children’s Hospital, leading to the creation of the Patricia Allen Pediatric Recovery Wing.
- Pancho’s Packs: Inspired by late superfan Ezra “Pancho Billa” Castro, the Mafia continues to fundraise for children in need, fulfilling his wish to spread kindness.
As Kristen Kimmick, founder of Bills Mafia Babes, perfectly put it: “In Buffalo, being kind and charitable isn’t just a thing—it’s the thing.”
Why the Mafia Spirit Matters
Bills Mafia embodies everything great about sports: passion, loyalty, and heart. It’s not just about football—it’s about showing up for each other, for Buffalo, and for anyone in need.
So, whether you’re cheering in Highmark Stadium or donating to a player’s favorite cause, being part of Bills Mafia means being part of something bigger. It’s family. It’s community. It’s Buffalo.
