Hyde’s annual softball charity event returns, more about Bills’ schedule, plus a week of birthday celebrations and remembrances
Hey Rumblers! Welcome back to another edition of “Where the Buffalo Bills roam.” As many are aware, plenty of current and former Bills players are active parts of social media, often finding truly meaningful ways to connect with fans and share bits of their daily lives. As part of Bills Mafia, some of us forge incredible bonds with other fans, where friendships formed out of fandom outweigh our favorite team’s weekly game.
With so much social media to digest, consider this space your place to catch up with some of the more memorable bits of social news each week. We do our best to keep up with all that’s news from the Bills and the larger fan base so you don’t have to.
Since last Friday, members of the organization have been up to some pretty interesting things. Returning this weekend is the Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game. Plus, it was a time for remembering some of those within Bills Mafia we’ve lost, including Ezra “Pancho Billa” Castro in 2019 after a battle against cancer, and also 14-year-old Andrew Coatney following a tragic accident.
Among notable celebrations this week was rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman turning 21, and also Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas celebrating another trip around the sun.
Quarterback Josh Allen did his best impression of Chris Pratt’s Andy Dwyer from the hit show Parks and Recreation when he filmed the Bills’ schedule release at the new stadium site. When he retires from football, he might just have a promising career in acting.
All this plus more, including Allen and heavy metal, Keon Coleman and his thoughts on snowmobiles, Keaton Bills after dark, and an intensely friendly game of tug of war.
“It’s Bills or retire” — Micah Hyde tells reporters ahead of charity softball game
Safety Micah Hyde held a press conference in town for his annual charity softball tournament. When asked about returning to the Bills, Hyde told reporters that he either comes back to Buffalo or retires. Let the speculation begin!
Former Bills Safety Micah Hyde is back in town for his annual charity softball tournament set for this weekend. He says there is “no rush” when it comes to a decision on his NFL future, adding it’s essentially Buffalo or retire at this point. #Bills @WKBW pic.twitter.com/ADSpQUWYSN
— Jeff Russo (@JeffRussoWKBW) May 16, 2024
Remembering Ezra “Pancho Bills” Castro
Superfan Ezra “Pancho Billa” Castro was remembered after passing away in 2019 from cancer. He is missed by the entire community.
#OTD in 2019 Buffalo Bills superfan Ezra "Pancho Billa" Castro passes away at the age of 39 after a long and courageous battle with cancer pic.twitter.com/d17zWbHz8L
— ThisDateInBuffaloSportsHistory (@BuffSportsHstry) May 14, 2024
Josh Allen reaches out to family mourning the loss of their son, Andrew Coatney
Quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills surprised a grieving family with a signed jersey. When their teenage son, Andrew Coatney, tragically passed away following an accident, his family decided to dress him in his favorite player’s jersey for his funeral. Unfortunately, the jersey was damaged at the memorial home, leading Andrew’s uncle to send a message about it on X to Josh Allen. Less than a week later, the team and Allen responded, stating that they were sending a signed Allen jersey and giving their condolences. Truly amazing.
Anthony Coatney's Josh Allen jersey was displayed on a pin in his room
— Michael Schwartz (@MSchwartzTV) May 17, 2024
The 14 y/o passed away last month. He was dressed in that jersey at his funeral, but when it got damaged there @JoshAllenQB & @BuffaloBills stepped in with "All the love in the world" https://t.co/UxRcNGWouz pic.twitter.com/gkG1H3zYNU
2024 Buffalo Bills schedule release: Josh Allen channels Chris Pratt’s Andy Dwyer
This is the only legitimately creative, funny and entertaining schedule release content by a social media team.
— Alex D’Agostino (@AlexDagAZ) May 16, 2024
And Josh Allen did a shockingly good job acting in this. Delivery and comedic timing were perfect. pic.twitter.com/FNgnWd1e8i
Does Josh Allen heart heavy metal?
Quarterback.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 16, 2024
Actor.
Director.
@JoshAllenQB really does it all: https://t.co/Da6SfTwe8p@Ticketmaster | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/oYFVpBnWBP
Dion Dawkins talks 2024 Buffalo Bills schedule release with Good Morning Football
Energetic offensive lineman Dion Dawkins joined the crew of Good Morning Football to talk about the schedule release. Like Keon Coleman, Dion’s interviews are always a must-watch.
First thing Dion Dawkins looks for when the schedule drops each year @BuffaloBills | @DDawkins66 pic.twitter.com/MxRavFTOW4
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) May 15, 2024
Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas celebrated his birthday with Bills Mafia on Thursday
Happy Birthday to a true Bills GOAT @thurmanthomas! You're forever the greatest, and our EIC's all-time favorite Bill -- a timeless talent whose family continues to make a profound impact on Western New York. pic.twitter.com/Hdg4IOklAo
— Buffalo Rumblings (@BuffRumblings) May 17, 2024
Bills rookie WR Keon Coleman celebrates his 21st birthday on Friday!
Definitely celebrating with a cookie cake.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 17, 2024
Have a day, @KeonColeman6!! #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/R3K5mJoqgt
But Coleman isn’t looking to get into snowmobiling any time soon
Coleman also spoke with Adam Schefter about his fears of snowmobiles. As always, his interviews are fun.
Bills rookie WR Keon Coleman is apprehensive about getting a snowmobile in Buffalo because, as he said, “that’s a little dangerous. I like wheels. If it ain’t got wheels, I ain’t really trynna ride it.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 14, 2024
https://t.co/i9jBta0LxS pic.twitter.com/mScfVN2MsI
Keaton Bills has the skills to pay the... bills
Rookie offensive lineman Keaton Bills was working on a piece with Matthew Bové concerning reporters asking him about Buffalo before he was drafted when the lights went out at the facility. Some jokes were made about paying the bills.
Doing a story on Keaton Bills, who now plays for the Buffalo Bills. We did it in the Bills media room and then the power went out. Maybe someone forgot to pay the...bills #BILLSmafia @WKBW pic.twitter.com/I7engce6tl
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) May 16, 2024
Buffalo Bills Tug of War, 2024 edition
Welcome to the world's most intense game of tug of war. #GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/Qz5sAFSag6
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 15, 2024
Did we miss anything that caught your attention this week? Share away in the comments!