Celebrity fans weigh in on Bills playoff berth
From coast to coast, Bills fans are overcome with joy about Buffalo's upcoming trip to the playoffs. Many Bills supporters have taken to their social media platforms to share their excitement – even a few Hollywood actors and other well-known personalities. Weighing in on the conversation and wishing the team luck in their first playoff appearance since 1999 are actors Bill Fichtner, Chad Michael Murray, news anchor Wolf Blitzer and Olympian and television host Summer Sanders.
While the celebs don't live in Western New York, they each have ties to the region. Fichtner, Murray and Blitzer are all native to the area and Sanders' husband is as well. Despite their distance, these celebs have proven that once a Bills fan, always a Bills fan.
Keep the well-wishes coming!
How one Bills fan started a movement
It's incredible how the actions of one individual can influence others to get involved. A great example of this type of grassroots initiative happened immediately following Buffalo's Week 17 win. As the Bills and they're loyal fans were celebrating their victory in Miami and subsequent advancement to the postseason, one Bills fan was thinking of ways to repay Bengals QB Andy Dalton for his game-winning performance.
Kevin Forrest, a Nebraska resident and diehard Bills fan, is the man responsible for kick starting a trend that has resulted in more than 10,000 people jumping on board. Forrest is credited with making the very first donation to Dalton's Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation. His generosity has inspired others to donate, raising over $250,000. The story, reported by Cory Matteson of the Lincoln Journal Star, further shines positive light on Bills fans.
"I think it's pretty cool it appears that I started a trend, but it speaks to the heart and integrity of Bills fans," said Forrest to Matteson.
Bills players meet golf legend Jack Nicklaus
While the Bills were on their way to securing a win in Miami, legendary golf professional Jack Nicklaus was watching from the crowd. Nicklaus, who admits on his social media that he used to be a Dolphins fan, was spotted cheering for the Bills and especially his grandson -- Bills tight end Nick O'Leary. Not only did the Bills come away with a needed 'W,' O'Leary scored his second touchdown of the season.
After the game, Bills players including, WR Kelvin Benjamin and DT Kyle Williams stopped to meet with the sports icon. Nicklaus shared the photos on his Facebook.
Lancaster native wins Super Bowl tickets
While cheering on the Bills at (716) Food and Sport last Sunday, Lancaster native Thomas Myers was stunned to receive the prize of a lifetime - a pair of Super Bowl tickets! A proud Bills fan, Myers, who now lives in Rochester, was visiting the local restaurant with his wife Mary and a few friends from Toronto.
"The whole weekend was amazing – that was the highlight of it," said Myers about winning the tickets. "I was totally overwhelmed. We went to (716) because I love going to games…and I don't get to as many as I would like. Earlier in the season, my wife said it would be fun to go to (716) to watch a Bills game because of the excitement there and the big screen…I was speechless. I was so excited."
Although Myers and his wife were originally scheduled to go on a cruise that would have them getting back the day of the Super Bowl, the opportunity was too good to pass up. After hours of planning, Myers figured out a way to get back from the cruise in time to get to the big game.
Walter Payton Man of the Year Challenge
As the Buffalo Bills 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year, linebacker Lorenzo Alexander has shown great leadership both on and off the field. His commitment to his team, the entire Western New York Community and to his Lorenzo Alexander's ACES Foundation, has encouraged those around him to advocate for positive change. Fans can help Alexander to continue to make a difference by participating in the Walter Payton Man of the Year Challenge.
All you have to do is post #WPMOYChallenge + Alexander on social media! Fans have until Sunday, Jan. 7, to cast a mention for Alexander. The nominee who has the most hashtag mentions will win additional money for their charity!
Help support 'Zo and his great cause!
Hyde's IMagINe For Youth Foundation makes a difference for over 250 kids
Bills safety Micah Hyde and his IMagINe For Youth Foundation recently teamed up with a school in Cleveland, Ohio, to provide backpacks and shoes for 259 kids. The event is just one of several ways that Hyde has made a difference. Whether it be in his native Ohio or in Buffalo, Hyde's passion for giving children opportunities to succeed knows no bounds. For more information on the IMagINe For Youth Foundation, click here.
