Many people in southern Ontario may claim to be major Buffalo Bills fans, but now a Brantford, Ont. member of the Bills Mafia has the title to prove it. Darryl Russell has been named the NFL team’s international fan of the year. He has been a fan since 1990 and has been a season ticket holder since 2012. “Everyone knows if they think of me, they know, ‘Oh, that’s the Bills’ guy,’” Russell said in an interview with CTV News on Tuesday. The 53-year-old said his love for the Bills began thanks to his brother Jason, who later died of cancer in 2015. “When they told me, I admit, I started to tear up,” he said. “I cried a bit because I think of my brother ... I wish my brother was here, obviously, to share it with me.” Russell said he found out about the recognition through a Zoom call. “I thought it was because I have season tickets, and I thought, OK, maybe they’re setting up a tour or giving me some info,” he recalled. However, he soon recognized former Bills kicker Steve Christie among the people who were in the meeting. “It’s really exciting, so honoured, to be honest,” he said. Russell said he isn’t sure who nominated him for the title, but he believes it may have been someone who follows his super fan journey online. He admits he can be “a little bit over the top,” but his love and loyalty for the team never wavered — even when the Bills saw a 17-year drought. “This was painful, but I love it,” he said. “I love them that much.” On game day, Russell said he follows a strict superstitious pre-game ritual, which includes giving a ‘pep talk’ to a framed photo of Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Russell’s dog, Rusty Allen Russell, was partially named for the quarterback. When he attends games, Russell wears a Bills chain around his neck with a photograph of his brother. When he’s not watching football, Russell works at the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind, where students are known to greet him with, “Go Bills!” In recognition of his dedication, Russell has been invited to the NFL draft in Pittsburgh later this week.
