Outrage as Bills fans mock Patrick Mahomes by ‘hanging’ Kermit puppet ahead of Chiefs game

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes found himself in the midst of an unexpected controversy before the AFC clash with the Buffalo Bills. The incident, that caught media attention, involved Bills fans and a Kermit the Frog puppet seen hanging from a pole outside the venue of the game.

The alarming act, widely seen as a "threat" to the star quarterback, rapidly ignited a firestorm of outrage and bewilderment on social media.

Later, the Bills ended the Chiefs' 15-game winning streak by defeating them 30-31 in the thriller at Highmark Stadium.

Bills Mafia's Kermit the Frog puppet stunt takes rivalry a notch higher

The rivalry between the AFC powerhouses escalated with the emergence of provocative images from outside Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, before the game between Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills on Sunday, November 17, Marca reported.

Bills Mafia, the notorious fan group known for their intense fervor and complex pregame rituals, executed a stunt that quickly captured widespread attention.

A puppet of Kermit the Frog, donning a Mahomes jersey and wig, was spotted hanging from a noose-like rope, igniting intense discussions on social media.

The Kermit comparison is not new to Mahomes, who has been playfully teased about his distinctive voice throughout his career.

The Chiefs quarterback, a two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion, had earlier this year addressed the Kermit the Frog comparison saying it is part of public scrutiny that comes with fame and  he is not bothered by it.

Yet, this particular incident did not get dismissed as playful rivalry by critics who highlighted the racial connotations of the imagery.

This past summer, Las Vegas Raiders players were observed using a miniature Kermit figure at their training camp to mock their rival. Although Mahomes has demonstrated a capacity to take the teasing in his stride, distinguishing between benign rivalry and offensive conduct is increasingly challenging.

Bills Mafia faces backlash over Kermit the Frog puppet stunt

The Bills Mafia, known for their creative and passionate fan culture, is now facing criticism for dressing a Kermit the Frog puppet like Patrick Mahomes and hanging it from a pole outside the Highmark Stadium on Sunday.

A user said, "Unacceptable. Lynching should never be used as a symbol."

Another added, "Definitely not sportsmanship, no matter who wins."

A user remarked, "No that’s crossing the line."

"I’m a Bills fan and I don’t like that kind of thing," one penned their thoughts.

A person expressed anger through the use of emojis, "I’m all for team to team rivalries. But, JFC this is disgraceful, disgusting and beyond the pale. This steps over the line and isn’t funny at all."

Another chimed in, "It’s unacceptable and pathetic, and probably racist."

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