Bills Central

How ESPN's Adam Schefter inadvertently launched #BillsMafia

Series of tweets launched name of popular fan group.
Chris Pugh|
Buffalo Bills fan Alex Cauley, 31, of Kansas City, throws his future groomsmen and Detroit Lions fan Ryan Petras, 31, of Troy through a table at a Buffalo Bills tailgating party in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
Buffalo Bills fan Alex Cauley, 31, of Kansas City, throws his future groomsmen and Detroit Lions fan Ryan Petras, 31, of Troy through a table at a Buffalo Bills tailgating party in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. | Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:

Buffalo Bills | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings

What was the origin story behind #BillsMafia?

An ESPN story suggested that the name of the popular Buffalo Bills fan group was sparked by a series of tweets from NFL insider Adam Schefter after the Bills 2010 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The game was marked by a dropped touchdown pass by wide receiver Stevie Johnson, which would have won for the Bills.

After the game, Johnson questioned God after the dropped pass, something that was picked up by national media members and Schefter a day later in a series of tweets.

"And we took that personally," fan Leslie Wille said. 

"I unintentionally and unknowingly became the villain in this origin story,' Schefter said. 

Bills fans responded by making fun of Schefter, who blocked various fans on Twitter. 

Schefter's move led another fan Del Reid to respond with the hashtag #BillsMafia, and the name was born.

Stevie Johnson was one of the most successful late-round (seventh) picks in team history.
Stevie Johnson was one of the most successful late-round (seventh) picks in team history. | JAMIE GERMANO/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle via Imagn Content Services, LLC

When does Buffalo play Denver?

The Bills and Broncos will face off at 1 p.m. Jan. 12 at Highmark Stadium.

The game will be televised on CBS.

CBS broadcasters for Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos game

Jim Nantz and Tony Romo are the broadcasters for the game, while Tracy Wolfson will be the sideline reporter.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Buffalo vs. Denver odds

Buffalo is a 9-point early favorite to beat Denver according to BetMGM.

The over-under in points is 47.

Buffalo Bills Super Bowl odds

Buffalo is at +600 to win the Super Bowl, according to Bet MGM.

More Buffalo Bills News:

Published
Chris Pugh
CHRIS PUGH

Chris is an experienced digital content producer with prior roles in journalism and corporate communications. He has worked as a sports and news writer and editor at McClatchy, Tribune and Gannett. Chris is based in Columbus, Ohio.

Share on XFollow chrispughedits