FanFocus with BillsMafia: Mafia Monday Interview with @MeaghanMcCarthy

“Mafia Monday” is a popular feature in the #BillsMafia movement. Every week, a selected member of the #FAMbase is interviewed. This is an interactive element where members of our community can get to know each other and build unity by becoming a little transparent.

Week 8′s Mafia Monday interview is @MeaghanMcCarthy.

How long have you been a Bills Fan, and what’s your earliest Bills memory?
I’ve never NOT been a Bills fan, but as a kid the last thing I wanted to do was sit still and watch sports! So funny how it has changed. Even though I wasn’t a diehard from the time I was young, my Mom really influenced me and I remember Flutie Flakes more than anything. I think my earliest memory, though it’s vague, is our last playoff game. I remember not understanding how we had lost, and my step-dad smashing our flower plants (IT’S NOT THEIR FAULT, poor flowers, haha). Yes, I was in 1st grade the last time we were in the playoffs. I was born in ’92 a few days before the Super Bowl and yet I still bleed blue, red, and white.

What is your favorite Bills memory?
This is hard because there are classic Bills moments in history which are so incredible; the “Comeback Game” for example. But those are just stories and YouTube videos to me. As far as memories of my own, I honestly have to say beating New England last year. It was just one game but it meant so much to beat that team, and to share it with my family was the most amazing experience. Before that I had watched the games but I didn’t understand the emotion behind it. Watch it, cheer, move on. This game inspired me, it went beyond just that game on the field, something I never knew existed.

What was the first Bills game you attended?
The first game, I am sad to say, was the game last year against the Titans. Growing up in Rochester as, for a while, a “mild” fan, I never felt going to games was attainable. Now I have season tickets. My most memorable game is no question the game this year week three against Cleveland at the Browns stadium. The way Bills Mafia took over that stadium brings me such pride and joy, and I’m so proud I have become such the ride or die fan that I am.

Do you own any Bills jerseys, and if so what ones?
Yes I own a Doug Flutie jersey, Stevie Johnson, and Dareus. Korey, my boyfriend, occasionally let’s me sneak one of his long list of jerseys.

Favorite current Bill?
How do you say who’s your favorite when they are all my guys ya know? I guess I’d have to be unpredictable and say Stevie Johnson. That guy loves our city and loves our team, paycheck or no paycheck. He’s a great guy, and brings the skill and fun on the field.

Favorite former Bill?
Since I was so young in the good old Jim Kelly days its hard for me to pinpoint one specifically. That whole team though, so incredible. And Jim Kelly himself is a true idol everything he has done for Buffalo we can never repay.

What is your favorite team to watch lose to the Bills?
Patriots duh!!! Love seeing Brady whine and cry. And any team honestly. Long as they win.

Best tailgate food?
Chicken wings. I don’t eat red meat so anytime someone throws on some chicken I am ready… Lol!

Other sports you enjoy following? If so, favorite teams?
Nothing the same way I follow football. Have to root for the Sabres, and I do watch them a good amount. Who knows though? If you asked me when I was 12 if I thought I would be a diehard Bills fan I would’ve called you crazy!

Lastly, what does “Bills Mafia” mean to you?
Bills Mafia to me means family; simple as that. No we don’t always agree on everything but Bills Mafia is my second family. Bills Mafia means we don’t sit around after a loss like Sunday’s (10/21/12 Tennessee Titans) and get down about it. We are still so blessed with our team, our stadium. There’s nothing better than being out there screaming for your team until you pass out, cheering HEY EY EY EY until you have no voice, and BILLIEVING until the last drive. I’ve met some of the most incredible people through Bills Mafia, including the love of my life, and I’d never for a second doubt it’s power. We are here and I am so proud to be a part of the best fanbase in the world. We will have our time, we deserve it. I give all the credit to people who have been around longer than I, but there’s no turning back for me or any of us now… Bills Mafia is for life! And I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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About #FanFocus: The word fan first emerged as an Americanism around 1889 referring to baseball enthusiasts but today’s football fans are really the true modern day fanatics. While all sports have their fans, football fans have a uniquely intense devotion. We willingly submit to braving the elements in brutal temperatures, eat unusual culinary concoctions, theme decorate our homes, engage in remote control battles, and proudly wear body paint and tattoos all in an effort to show loyalty to our favorite players and teams. Pro Player Insiders is creating a special section on our website and partnering with dedicated fan groups throughout the country to highlight and engage with some of the most passionate NFL fans. If you are a fan group that fits that description, contact us on twitter @PlayerInsiders and let us know.