“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.
Preseason Week 3′s Mafia Monday interview is Megan Sawyer-Sythe, aka @BuffaloHippie on Twitter.
How long have you been a Bills Fan, and what’s your earliest Bills memory?
I was born into a family of Bills fans, so you can say May 23, 1983 is when it all began. My earliest memory is probably when I was 9… it was the Bills-Cowboys Superbowl. I remember my grandmother bought a bunch of blank tee shirts and fabric paint. My cousin and I spent the whole day designing our Bills shirts and pigging out on potato chips and wings.
What is your favorite Bills memory?
My favorite memory is the 2003 game vs. the Patriots where Big Sam Adams picked off Brady and ran it back for the touchdown. I jumped around my living room and screamed with joy like a lunatic.
What was the first Bills game you attended? What was most memorable?
The first game I ever attended at The Ralph was last year’s opener versus the Raiders. I went with a bunch of old friends from high school and had an absolute blast. I cannot pick out one memorable moment. From the tailgating to the amazing comeback game, it was truly an experience. Also, I couldn’t talk for a week afterwards. I was FitzScreamed out.
Do you own any Bills jerseys, and if so what ones?
Sure do! I have a Poz, Dareus, Freddie J, authentic throwback Bruce Smith and a custom #73 THE RALPH. I had many ideas flowing through my head for my custom jersey. I felt that The Ralph stands alone as its own entity and it deserved a jersey.
Favorite current Bill?
Such a tough question. We have an amazing group of talented, stand up guys. I would have to say Nick Barnett. He impresses me both on the field with his play and off the field with his interaction with the fans. I love a player that takes time to recognize the fans.
Favorite former Bill?
BRUUUUUUUCE!!!!! I was so young when he was in his prime, I didn’t really appreciate what a beast he was. I watch old games and am just amazed at what he could do. He was such a character, too. He once said, “I haven’t found another job yet that’ll pay me a million dollars that I can go out and kick the s*** out of somebody and not have to go to jail. That’s one thing about it that I truly love.” That’s the type of guy you want at defensive end.
What is your favorite team to watch lose to the Bills?
The Patriots. No question.
Best tailgate food?
My friend Eric (@billsorbust) makes a mean deep fried turkey!
Other sports you enjoy following? If so, favorite teams?
Sabres hockey… that’s pretty much it. I find it hard to even fit that in sometimes with the amount of time I spend on football coverage.
Lastly, what does “Bills Mafia” mean to you?
I am so happy that I found #BillsMafia. I grew up in a small town south of Buffalo, but haven’t lived in the area for 7 years. It is really hard to be a displaced Bills fan and try keep up with the team. I love being able to jump on twitter and see so much positivity about the team from both fans and players alike. It truly is a #FAMbase that allows the fans and players to come together and keeps a girl stuck in Connecticut in the loop about her all time favorite team.
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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.