The Buffalo sports curse is a phenomenon that refers to the lack of success experienced by professional sports franchises in the city of Buffalo, New York. This curse is often discussed in relation to the Buffalo Bills, the city's football team, who have not won a playoff game since 1995 and have not made the playoffs at all since the 2017 season. However, the curse also extends to other sports teams in Buffalo, including the Buffalo Sabres (hockey) and the Buffalo Braves (basketball), who have also struggled to achieve significant success in their respective leagues. The Sabres have not made the playoffs since the 2010-2011 season, and the Braves relocated to San Diego in 1978 after just eight seasons in Buffalo. The origins of the Buffalo sports curse are unclear, but many fans and sports analysts attribute it to a combination of factors. Some believe that it is simply a result of poor management and coaching decisions, while others attribute it to bad luck or even supernatural forces.
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The Cardinals team holds the NFL record for the longest championship drought which ended in the 2008 2009 season by hosting the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. In the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals , the Los Angeles Kings led 2-1 when the Montreal Canadiens suspected Kings player Marty McSorley s stick was too curved.
Some believe that it is simply a result of poor management and coaching decisions, while others attribute it to bad luck or even supernatural forces. Regardless of the cause, the Buffalo sports curse has certainly had a noticeable impact on the morale of the city's sports fans. Despite their teams' lack of success, Buffalo sports fans are known for their unwavering loyalty and passionate support.
Before enjoying super success, the Bills first need to 'reverse the curse'
Despite participating in four of the 56 Super Bowls, the Buffalo Bills have yet to win the NFL championship game. For those fans searching for answers, Greg Brown, sports columnist for the Challenger, says it's due to a curse that dates back to 1966.
"It is said that the curse was put upon Buffalo after that shabby treatment of Ernie Warlick," Brown explained. "Some say it's just urban legend; others say there is certainly truth to it."
The Bills were back-to-back winners of the championship of the American Football League in 1964 & 1965, the years prior to the start of what is now the Super Bowl.
"In fact, he (Warlick) was one of the key contributors. He was the starting tight end and he caught a key touchdown pass against the Chargers and Buffalo won (the championship game) in an upset victory."
According to Brown, Warlick arrived to training camp the following year needing to play one more game to qualify for an AFL pension. That game never came.
"Ralph Wilson (owner of the Buffalo Bills) cuts him. The story was that because Ernie Warlick was one game from his pension, Ralph would save some money and get a younger, cheaper player."
Brown says it's part of the mixed legacy of Ralph Wilson who was often criticized throughout his many years as team owner for cost-cutting moves.
"But the interesting thing about him was that at his demise he left these incredible fortunes both to the city of Buffalo and the city of Detroit," Brown pointed out.
"That was an incredibly generous and loving gesture."
Bills fans, of course, would love to win a Super Bowl. Brown says that's why it's time to 'reverse the curse.'
"It would be a wonderful thing for the Bills. It would at least clear the way of any supernatural forces that could stand in their way. But it would also be a good opportunity for this city to come together in support of a cause that is near to everyone and that is the Bills making it to--and winning--Super Bowl LVII," said Brown who is calling on the expanding membership of the Bills Mafia to join him in this quest.
What if the curse were to be reversed and the Bills were to win the Super Bowl?
"I think it would change the rotational axis of the Earth. I think it would be big for Buffalo. I think the city has been on the rebound but I think it would give it some added boost. I think it will make this region feel even better about itself," Brown said.
"I think that the Bills will be an emblem for the kind of heart, guts and moxie that they have shown, but has really been a reflection of this community."
This dedication is often seen as a testament to the resilience of the city and its people. In recent years, there have been signs of hope for Buffalo sports fans. The Bills made the playoffs in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, and the Sabres have shown potential for improvement under new ownership. While it remains to be seen if these signs of progress will break the curse, there is no doubt that Buffalo sports fans will continue to support their teams through thick and thin..
Reviews for "Buffalo's Sports Curse and the Long Wait for a Championship"
1. John Doe - 2 stars
As a die-hard Buffalo sports fan, I was really looking forward to reading "Buffalo sports curse" and delving into the history of our suffering teams. However, I was left disappointed by this book. While it did touch upon some of the heartbreaking moments in Buffalo sports history, it lacked depth and analysis. The author seemed more focused on sensationalizing our curse rather than providing insightful commentary. I was hoping for more in-depth interviews with past players and coaches, but instead, I felt like I was reading a repetitive account of our disappointments. Overall, "Buffalo sports curse" was a missed opportunity.
2. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars
I had heard great things about "Buffalo sports curse" and was excited to read it, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked a clear structure and organization, making it difficult to follow the narrative. The author jumped from one event to another without establishing a coherent timeline. Additionally, I felt that the book focused too much on the negativity and failures of Buffalo sports without exploring the resilience and passion of the fans. It would have been refreshing to see a more balanced perspective. Overall, "Buffalo sports curse" left me frustrated and craving for a more comprehensive analysis of our sports history.
3. Michael Johnson - 1 star
As someone who is not a Buffalo sports fan, I was hoping that "Buffalo sports curse" could help me understand the emotional attachment and obsession of Buffalo fans. However, this book failed to engage me or provide the insight I was looking for. The writing style was dry and lacked any personal touch or emotional connection. I felt like I was reading a dry textbook rather than a captivating sports narrative. Additionally, the author's focus on the "curse" aspect felt exaggerated and forced. Overall, "Buffalo sports curse" failed to capture my interest and left me unimpressed.