Five Things Christians can learn from the Buffalo Bills Mafia
I AM a football fan. I am NOT a Buffalo Bills fan. HOWEVER, there are a few things for which I give them mad props.
I AM a Miami Dolphins fan. (thank you for your sympathy) But here's the thing, it started when I was a kid, in Miami, in the 70's with Shula, Griese, the perfect season! When games were blacked out, my family would hop in the car and drive to the nearest hotel with coverage. For Christmas, we got jerseys. My oldest sister was Bob Griese, my middle sister was Paul Warfield, and I was #39, Larry Csonka. (I think my parents bought them based on our personalities!) Anyway, in High School, I met Coach Shula and saw the Super Bowl trophy up close. It was an amazing privilege.
Fast forward a few decades. I marry another faithful Fin fan. His close friends are Bills fans, and they have this "Home/Home" tradition. I was overwhelmed by the ummm, let's say "passion" of the fans during my first game in Buffalo. I remember in the ladies' room, a Bills fan pointed her finger at me and shouted, "I hate the Dolphins… but that's a cute sweatshirt!"
Fin Fan loyalty aside, I’ve noticed a few things the "Mafia" does really well, and I believe there are five practices Christians can learn from their example.
The Bills Mafia:
Goes where the game is- Bills fans travel well! Quite often, there are more of them than the home team fans. And they definitely make their presence known with chants and cheers. The point is, they don't wait for the game to come to them to get involved. Christians, our game is a spiritual war. We need to get out of the home stands and take our faith on the road. Our universal calling is to know God and make Him known. And when Jesus gave the “great commission,” the first word was, “GO!”
Treats every day like it's GAME day- For Bills' fans, it's a lifestyle, not just an event. Sure, they wear their gear, decorate their homes, etc., but more impressively, hundreds of fans show up after blizzards to volunteer and shovel snow. They are among the most charitable in giving to worthy causes. Being a Christ follower is ultimately more important than a football game. How are we serving and giving generously to the church and our community? Does your Jesus jersey stay in the closet until Sunday?
Turns fans into family- Tailgating isn’t just something to do until the game starts. It’s an experience unto itself. They roll out the grills and tables with pit-crew precision, crank up the music, and, yes, sometimes they break tables. They take extra time and effort to connect - to catch up - to celebrate. Christians, where is your tribe? Where are the people you do life with? Are you pulling into the garage at night, lowering the garage door, and isolating? Let’s break bread together (not tables)! God designed us to do life together!
Doesn’t leave early- When the Bills won 41-40 in the last seconds of their home opener against the Bills, QB Josh Allen (I DO think he’s great BTW) was gracious but also sent a message: “Some people left the stadium. That’s okay, and we’ll be fine, but have some faith next time.” God doesn’t want Christ followers to “check out early.” Whether you’re walking out during the final prayer or taking your foot off the gas when you retire, you’re turning off the power of the Holy Spirit. Don’t! Have some faith! He has more for you! The game’s not over!
Passes it down- Our Buffalo friends have their coveted 50-yard-line seats because they were handed down in their family, and they plan to do the same. When you look around the stadium, all generations are engaged and passionate. They are keeping the Buffalo tradition alive. For Christians, this is not about passing down pews with our names engraved on a gold plate. It’s about creating and maintaining a legacy of faith in our families! Men, are you raising your children to win a game or to win in life and eternity?
Presence, lifestyle, community, legacy-
Bottom line: they live what they “Billieve?” And that’s a challenge for all of us.
#BuffaloBills #BillsMafia #JoshAllen