FanFocus with BillsMafia: Mafia Monday Interview with @BillsMafiaDon

“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 6′s Mafia Monday interview is @BillsMafiaDon.

How long have you been a Bills Fan, and what’s your earliest Bills memory?
I’ve been a Bills fan as long as I can remember. My mother has always been a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills, so she was able to brainwash me at a young age to be a Bills fan as well. It didn’t really take much effort for her though. I fell in love the very first time she brought me to the Ralph (Rich Stadium at the time). I’ve been fortunate enough to get to witness many Bills games in person over the years, despite not actually living in the area. Having family in the Buffalo area however has helped quite a bit. One of my earliest memories as a Bills fan is the first time I ever hear the Buffalo crowd chant “BRUUUUUCE” in person. I thought that was the coolest thing ever. Still do.

What is your favorite Bills memory?
It’s hard to pick one, but the comeback game was one of the best moments in my life as a Buffalo Bills fan. We had our share of defeat in big games in the early 90s, but there was no greater feeling than when Buffalo was in contention.

What was the first Bills game you attended?
I can’t remember exactly which game I attended first to be honest, but the earliest game I actually remember being at was October of 1993 against the Houston Oilers. Warren Moon left the game early, and when they put in Cody Carlson the home crowd was taunting him with chants of “CODY! CODY!” I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the first game I went to, but one of the earliest I can remember.

Do you own any Bills jerseys, and if so what ones?
Eric Moulds, 2 Andre Reeds, Thurman Thomas, Jim Kelly, Drew Bledsoe, and Fred Jackson. I need more.

Favorite current Bill?
You’ll notice a repeating theme, but I find it hard to pick favorites. I just love the Bills. If I was forced to choose though I would have to go with Kyle Williams. Kyle is one of those guys who never get enough credit for what they do on a weekly basis. Fred is up there as well. He has one of the greater stories in regards to his road to the NFL, and has always been a true professional on and off the field.

Favorite former Bill?
Thurman Thomas. He could kill you on the ground, or kill you in the passing game. 9th all time in yards from scrimmage. Not much more needs to be said about that.

What is your favorite team to watch lose to the Bills?
Any division rival. The last 10 years haven’t been so kind. Hopefully we can at least split those games this year.

Best tailgate food?
Wings and my sister-in-laws buffalo chicken dip. Her recipe is pretty ridiculous.

Other sports you enjoy following? If so, favorite teams?
I follow baseball (Braves), basketball (Michigan/Knicks), college football (Michigan), and hockey to a degree.

Lastly, what does “Bills Mafia” mean to you?
I’ll give this my best shot. Bills Mafia to me is a family of likeminded individuals with one commonality, and that is the Buffalo Bills. Just like any family, there are disagreements, fights, and occasional banter from the uncle who had a little too much to drink, but in the end we all bleed the same colors and live for the same dream: a Buffalo Bills championship.

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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.