The current Buffalo Bills franchise has a long history. The first origins of their name date back to 1946 when the team was part of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). At the time the team was called the Buffalo Bisons, but in 1947 a fan contest was held to rename the team. The change of name from Bisons to Bills is quite strange as the name was suggested after Buffalo Bill Cody who was an American soldier and a bison hunter.
Having a mascot gives a team more exposure not only for fans of opposing teams but even for the home teams. A mascot is present at many events and even team promotions. He is a big part of drawing the crowds and providing an overall entertainment value for the entire family.
Who is the Bills mascot?
The Buffalo Bills mascot is a blue bison who goes by the name of Billy Buffalo. According to his back story on the Bills website, Billy was a unique buffalo. While most of the other buffaloes went west, Billy made his way east and eventually reached the city of Buffalo. He felt at home instantly and settled down in Orchard Park, New York where the Bills play their home games.
After making Orchard Park his home, he started hearing the roar of the crowd and attended his first football game. Developing a passion for the game, Billy then joined the Bills as their official mascot in the year 2000.
As a mascot of the Bills, Billy is very enthusiastic and friendly with the fans, especially the children who are fascinated by him. He is usually getting the fans all fired up for the game and can be seen celebrating wildly when the team scores. Off the field, Billy attends various events from weddings, to schools, to charitable events, and more.
In 2018, Billy the Buffalo underwent a costume redesign which has been met with mixed reviews. However, the man inside the suit from 2006 to 2011, Jason Ballock described the new design as more kid-friendly and streamlined.
Why is the Buffalo Bills mascot a bison?
The bison mascot is a reference to the name of the city Buffalo, in New York. Although the American bison and the more common buffaloes from Africa and Asia are very different, they share some similarities due to which people often confuse the two animals. With the city being named Buffalo, and the AAFC team which was earlier called the Buffalo Bisons, it made a lot of sense for the franchise to have their mascot as a bison.
Interesting details of Bills mascot
Billy the Bison is a big mascot who stands over 7 feet tall and weighs quite literally a ton according to the Bills website. He wears the BB jersey which signifies his initials. His favorites include ‘The Stampede Band’, and the ‘Shout Song’ and his favorite food is wings with blue cheese.
Of the many funny things he does over the course of the year, Billy has run the 40 yard dash in just a shade under 4 seconds. Billy is the one who leads the team in each home game. The Bills also have a Billy Buffalo Mascot Day every year where they celebrate his contribution to the team's identity and culture.
FAQs
A. The Buffalo Bills mascot is called Billy Buffalo.
A. Buffalo Bills mascot Billy was introduced in 2000.
A. The Buffalo Bills' mascot colors are red, white, and blue.
A. The Buffalo Bills mascot Billy attends several events of the field such as weddings, and charities, and also goes to local schools to educate the children.
