Bills Mafia is a term you hear people use to when referring to Bills fans. The term was first used over 10 years ago when a Bills fan replied to an Adam Schefter tweet. After Del Reid, the “Godfather” of Bills Mafia, replied to the tweet he and some of his friends found themselves blocked by Schefter on Twitter
American musician and songwriter James Ambrose Johnson Jr. became a famous R&B artist in the late 1970s and early 1980s using the stage name Rick James. Originally from Buffalo, James returned to his hometown in 2004 after 56 years of being away. Later when the legend died and was laid to rest at Buffalo’s Forest Lawn Cemetery. His name was engraved on his headstone, and an image depicting him with a guitar. Fast forward to 2020, the wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, Stefon Diggs, paid tribute to Rick James by wearing shoes featuring the singer’s picture on them. A sense of community spirit and pride still exists in Buffalo because of Rick’s contribution, even through difficult times.
Tweet about footballer Johnson
Web developer Del Reid discovered that a well-known sports journalist named Adam Schefter had shared a retweet about footballer Johnson. In the following months, Reid found himself back in his childhood home, surrounded by memories of his Bills-loving days. Also including a photo featuring the pope and O.J. Simpson. And one day, while hanging out, he dubbed his close circle of friends. And other Bills supporters the #BillsMafia on Twitter.
In 2011, the term gained popularity with Nick Barnett, Stevie Johnson, and Fred Jackson using the phrase “Bills Mafia” on social media. But it was still a loose concept since no one joined or participated in any organized activity. However, as it would later turn out, Reid transformed a mere hashtag into a T-shirt campaign and charitable movement. This helped raise money for his hospital and needy families. He expanded this philanthropic initiative into a foundation called 26 Shirts. This continued to use the Bill’s Mafia name to do pro bono work in the community.
Passionate fans have taken up the Bill Mafia brand, becoming a globally recognized trademark of pregame or tailgate activities. Activities such as table slamming, dressing up in costumes, and drinking in large groups. Pinto Ron, a Bills fan since 1984, throws great tailgate parties. He has a great time doing what he loves to do. As a well-known member of the fan base, Pinto uses unusual cooking methods to grill his chicken and meat at these pre-kickoff festivities. Handsaws and hubcaps are some of the unconventional surfaces that Pitto uses to cook his animal flesh. It has become customary for Bills supporters to play drinking games. Games such as doing shots of Wiśniówka from a bowling ball during these events.
Bills Mafia and Charity organizations
Charity organizations like Oishei Children’s Hospital, Blessings in a Backpack, and Visually Impaired Advancement have benefited greatly from the Bills Mafia’s fundraising efforts. Kind donations and financial support have been a source of comfort and relief since the group’s inception. $8 million raised from their aid programs was presented to Tua Foundation and Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Community Toy Drive. They even designed a T-shirt to support Damar Hamlin’s toy drive and the University of Cincinnati Trauma Center. The Bills Mafia is a global force with fans worldwide, but they’ll always call Buffalo home.
Buffalo has been facing negative national stereotypes for a long time. For more than 150 years, individuals like Mark Twain, Jim Murray, and Pat Phillips have publicly criticized the city and its weather. However, Buffalonians have always been there for one another, and the Bills Mafia has played a significant role in empathizing with those in need. Thanks to Del Reid’s genius, 26 Shirts, more than $1.6 million has been collected and distributed to Bills fans who are struggling.
Buffalo has been facing negative national stereotypes for a long time. For more than 150 years, individuals like Mark Twain, Jim Murray, and Pat Phillips have publicly criticized the city and its weather. However, Buffalonians have always been there for one another, and the Bills Mafia has played a significant role in empathizing with those in need. Thanks to Del Reid’s genius, 26 Shirts, more than $1.6 million has been collected and distributed to Bills fans who are struggling. So, while the rest of the world may doubt Buffalo, the Bills Mafia remains dedicated to their hometown’s welfare.
