Buffalo files application to trademark 'Bills Mafia' nickname

The Bills Mafia is easily the coolest fan base in the NFL, arguably in all of American sports. They're passionate, a little bit rowdy and are more than willing to body slam a table if it gives their beloved squad even the slightest edge in winning (How exactly do those two correlate? Don't think about it, just enjoy the chaos). 

For years, Buffalo tried to downplay and even disassociated themselves from the Mafia. but now the team is hoping to get in on the action, as they have filed an application to trademark Bills Mafia as they prepare to release official team gear that will incorporate the infamous nickname.

"We felt like we needed to embrace this because it had really turned into a community spirit," said Ron Raccuia, executive vice president of the Bills’ parent company, Pegula Sports and Entertainment. "Our players and our coaching staff have really been engaged with it, and it just became very natural."

Now, it is understandable to see this and get annoyed that the team is trying to monetize something that was entirely created by fans, but to Buffalo's credit, it seems that they are actually collaborating with several key members of Bills Mafia, including Del Reid, who coined the nickname. Reid has long maintained that the Mafia name doesn't imply any danger, it's simply a way to show how tightknit of a group Bills' fans are.

"Bills Mafia has always stood for support of the team, not just the team in general, but the players themselves individually, like it’s a family thing," said Reid.