A Football Community Celebrates

What Can We Learn From Buffalo Bills' Fans?

Dear Readers,

If you have not watched any of the videos that have surfaced this week regarding the Bills' win last weekend, check out the link here:

Buffalo Bills Fans Celebrate

I grew up in a football family. We lived and breathed football whether it was high school, college or the NFL. I remember watching the Bills when I was younger, but never really felt a connection to them.

However, when I moved to Rochester about 17 years ago, I was integrated into a community like none I had experienced. Bills fans are loyal through the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, the wins and the losses. Their passion for their team truly is limitless. 

I have learned to ask people, "Are you going to the game Sunday?" instead of, "Are you watching the game Sunday?" When we have "jersey day" during spirit week or throughout the year, you can be sure people will be wearing their beloved Bills. 

A video caught my eye earlier this week. It showed adults reminiscing about past wins and games. There were also parents who commented on the joy they felt about being able to watch a play-off game with their son or daughter and create new memories. The plane that brought the Bills home was greeted by many fans standing out in the snow and cold to greet their hometown heroes. The excitement in the homes and restaurants shown on the video made you want to jump up and down and scream too, whether you are a fan or not.

What can we learn from this loyal community?

• They come together to celebrate their team regardless of whether it is at the stadium, in a restaurant or at someone's home. 
• They support and encourage their team both when they are doing well and when having difficulty. 
• Year after year they come back. They never "write them off" because of a losing season or players' mistakes.
• They form traditions around the games with their families and friends.

I wonder, what if educators felt this way about the school community and their colleagues? There is much to learn from these devoted fans.

I wish you the best of luck today Buffalo Bills!

Warmly,

Teresa