Life in the age of coronavirus is different, and that’s a severe understatement. People are living in isolation, the sports world has stopped and many bars and restaurants are closed while people try to prevent the spread of the virus.
Apparently, one thing that hasn't changed is AFC East rivalries. During a press conference in which he announced that restaurants and bars are now only open for takeout, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown couldn’t help but mention Tom Brady’s departure from New England.
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“For those of you who want to celebrate Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots, and hopefully leaving the AFC East, there are no mass gatherings,” Brown said. “Celebrate responsibly, celebrate at home and with less than 10 people present.”
Only in Buffalo 😂 #GoBills #Billsmafia #BRADYOUT pic.twitter.com/HW5ka5Ptir
— Carli Zielinski (@carlifarley) March 17, 2020
It may seem odd to hear a mayor talk about an NFL quarterback during a global pandemic, but Bills fans are known to be some of the most enthusiastic in the league. Brady led the Patriots to 17 of the last 19 AFC East titles, so the door appears open for another team to take the crown.
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The Bills made the playoffs in 2019 and just pulled off a trade for wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Monday. On Tuesday, the Bills’ biggest obstacle in the division over the last 19 years announced he was leaving town (and reportedly is heading to Tampa Bay). That sounds like a reason to celebrate.
The Patriots are still the favorites in the AFC East, but Bills fans can smell that first division title in 25 years. It might have been a smart move to remind Buffalonians to celebrate responsibly.