“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 Matt Barden, aka @usmcstealthfire.
How long have you been a Bills Fan, and what’s your earliest Bills memory?
I was born and raised in the Buffalo area and into a Bills family — My father is the oldest of six brothers and one sister…I can tell you most, if not all of their kids are still die hard Bills fans. My earliest memories date back to family gatherings every Sunday at Grandma’s house. These gatherings would often begin with pregame Uncle disputes about players and coaches, what’s going right/wrong with the Bills…you know, most of the stuff we discuss in the Bills Mafia on Twitter.
What is your favorite Bills memory?
My favorite Bills memory would have to be the comeback game versus the Houston Oilers. It was one of the few games I didn’t attend in person, but I hung in there listening on the radio as the game was blacked out…my whole family was gathered in the living room come the 4th quarter as we cheered on the greatest comeback of all time!
What was the first Bills game you attended?
I can’t tell you for sure when I attended my first game but I can tell you I was around five years old and I remember specifically Joe Ferguson was the Bills QB and we were playing the Patriots and Grogan was playing so I guess it was around the ’82 or ’83 season.
Do you own any Bills jerseys, and if so what ones?
I can tell you I have been highly disappointed with many of the jersey purchases in the past…lots of hype that don’t pan out. I currently only own an old Clements throwback jersey…I just pretend his name is not on the back and look at #22 on the front and think it’s a FJax jersey.
Favorite current Bill?
I can’t pick one, but hands down they are CJ Spiller, Jairus Byrd, and Kyle Williams.
Favorite former Bill?
Same here, can’t pick one…guys that I liked to watch, had great leadership qualities, and had a never say die attitude were Kelly, Talley, Tasker and Hull.
What is your favorite team to watch lose to the Bills?
In the 90′s it was the Dolphins, in the last 12 years it’s pretty much been New England…I would have to say whatever AFC East team is doing well or has a really good QB (Marino & Brady).
Best tailgate food?
I miss tailgating as I moved out of the Buffalo area due to the Military, but I do continue to celebrate game day. My Sunday favorite is the chicken wing…my son and I go to Buffalo Wild Wings every Sunday to take in the game.
Other sports you enjoy following? If so, favorite teams?
I enjoy watching hockey the most as my other sport and the Sabres are my favorite hockey team. My other favorite pro teams are the Red Sox and Celtics.
Lastly, what does “Bills Mafia” mean to you?
Bills Mafia for me is a way to connect with a family of Bills fans. Since I have lived most of my adult life away from the Buffalo area it has been hard to truly celebrate or struggle with the team because of the disconnect with the area. However, through the Bills Mafia family I’m at least virtually connected with a group of fans who are just as passionate about the Bills as I am. Bills Mafia also provides an avenue through twitter for player and fan interaction like we have never witnessed before. And in true Bills fan fashion, the Bills Mafia is also meant for a greater purpose, the purpose of raising money and awareness for cancer patients.
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