Katherine Chloé Cahoon

As a Buffalo Bills fanfare TV news reporter, I have covered the Bills Mafia, the team’s ever-enthusiastic supporters. These fans are so famous that Hallmark is releasing a movie about them this weekend called, “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.” If you would like to get a feel for the Bills’ fans before seeing the film, above is one of the first news stories I covered about them. It gives an inside look at a Bills Mafia phone chat, a devoted fantasy football group, and a woman from Amsterdam who, through serendipity, became a lifelong member. 

Below are pictures from my various Bills reports.     

Every Bills game is exciting with Bills Mafia members, from toddlers to centenarians, piling into the stadium to show off their spirit. Each fan has unique traditions. Some wear the same beaded necklaces in the team’s colors. Others spend hours ahead of each game preparing several courses of tailgating cuisine. 

Ahead of each football game, my news director required me to pitch at least a few Bills Mafia story angles. Since these fans had such elaborate rituals, I always ended up with about seven to 10 new ideas every week! I have covered it all. 

There are families who have supported the Bills for generations and couples who root for opposing teams. Other fans have rooms in their homes decked out in Bills décor specifically meant for watching away games on television. Some Bills Mafia members drive hours to come to a game. Then there are fans who fly around the world to see their favorite team. And there are tailgaters who display large Bills flags. 

A game is never complete without fans who don a ton of face paint!

If you ever get the chance to see the Buffalo Bills in action, I highly recommend taking the opportunity. The air buzzes with anticipation.