Throughout the history of the Buffalo Bills, the team has become known for some difficult moments, including a 17-year playoff drought, four straight Super Bowl losses, and several postseason defeats to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Despite these challenges, the Bills have also been home to celebrated Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees like Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, and standout quarterback Josh Allen. However, many believe that disappointing finishes often overshadow these achievements.
Coach Sean McDermott does not share this perception. McDermott spoke about his frustration regarding what he sees as a false narrative about Buffalo being labeled as “losers.” This topic came up after Baltimore radio personality Jerry Coleman called Buffalo a “city of losers” in comments to Ravens coach John Harbaugh. When reminded of Coleman’s comments before the 2025 season during an interview with WIVB4, McDermott expressed renewed frustration at how people see both the team and city.
“Now you’re gonna get me going,” McDermott said.
“It bothers me. It honestly pisses me off because people don’t know this town,” McDermott said. “They don’t know how hard that is to get to four straight Super Bowls. It’ll never happen again. And that’s where, there’s other things that drive … Yeah, I’m not … we’re good.”
He further elaborated on how much changing public perception matters to him: “Just overall, changing the narrative on Buffalo, that is honestly, probably the number one thing for me, because that [narrative] bothers me. Because that is not what I’ve experienced or my family has experienced. … They don’t know this community. They don’t know us.”
Bills fans have at times responded to criticism by raising thousands of dollars for charity causes even when criticized by media figures like Coleman. After his “city of losers” comment in 2020 was publicized again in 2025, fans donated money in memory of Coleman’s mother to the Alzheimer’s Association after she died from the disease later that year.
While some say it may take a Super Bowl victory to change outside perspectives about Buffalo football permanently, those within the city remain steadfast in their support and belief in both their team and community.
