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.
Our first announced partnership is with the group of Buffalo Bills fans known as the “Bills Mafia.” Each week we will feature “Mafia Monday where the BillsMafia.com staff interviews a member of their “FAMbase.” Stay tuned for much more from BillsMafia and other fan groups as we move through the season. It’s great to be a fan!
Preseason Week 1′s Mafia Monday interview is with Joe Hart, aka the “Buffalo Bills Super Fan” (@bbsuperfan13 on Twitter). Joe is a fixture at Bills events and brings a fanaticism to the table unlike most.
How long have you been a Bills Fan, and what’s your earliest Bills memory?
I have been a Bills fan since i was 8! That was 1989 and my earliest memory has to be the Bills/Giants Super Bowl XXV in Tampa. We didnt win but it was the start of the best 4 years in Bills History. 4 straight SBs! Still to this day no other team has done that.
What is your favorite Bills memory?
My favorite Bills memory has to be last years Bills/Pats game! I was in the front row all game and never left my seat. Greatest game i have had the chance to see!!
What was the first Bills game you attended? What was most memorable?
It was Bills/Giants in the late 90s. Not sure the date but it was with a great friend and his family.
Do you own any Bills jerseys, and if so what ones?
Yes, I own many Bills jerseys. On my wall is Andre Reed, Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas and so on. But my Favorite of all is my SJ13 Jersey!! Rock it every game.
Favorite current Bill?
My Favorite current Bill is of course Stevie Johnson.
Favorite former Bill?
My favorite former Bill is for sure Andre Reed.
What is your favorite team to watch lose to the Bills?
Pats, Jets and Dolphins… and the rest of the NFL! haha
Best tailgate food?
Italian sausage with peppers and onions and ice cold Coors Light.
Lastly, what does “Bills Mafia” mean to you?
What “Bills Mafia” means to me? I greatest fans and team in the NFL!!!!! BUFFALOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
For more information about BillsMafia and their social media movement, be sure to check out BillsMafia.com.
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