ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Mafia is becoming legitimate in Buffalo — the Bills Mafia that is.
The Bills last week filed an application to trademark the fan base’s adopted nickname in preparation to launch a series of branded merchandise and apparel available at Buffalo’s team store and sold online.
Bills Mafia, which first became popular in 2011 and for years was considered taboo by the Bills and NFL because of its connotation of organized crime, will be featured on everything from T-shirts to potentially pajamas, and available as early as this week.
“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.