The Buffalo sports curse is a term used to describe the long-standing streak of misfortune and disappointment that has plagued the professional sports teams in Buffalo, New York. The city is home to several major sports franchises, including the Buffalo Bills (National Football League), Buffalo Sabres (National Hockey League), and Buffalo Braves (now the Los Angeles Clippers, National Basketball Association). The curse is often traced back to the 1970s when Buffalo experienced a series of heartbreaks in various sports. The Buffalo Sabres reached the Stanley Cup Finals in both 1975 and 1979 but fell short of winning the championship on both occasions. The Buffalo Bills also had a string of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990 to 1993 but failed to win any of them. Since then, the curse has continued to haunt Buffalo sports teams.
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Boston and its Curse of the Bambino became a national cause, mainly because the Red Sox were elevated by their long bridesmaid status to the hated Yankees, who like it or not are a national franchise. 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.
Since then, the curse has continued to haunt Buffalo sports teams. Despite occasional moments of success and promising seasons, the championship victory has remained elusive. The football team, Buffalo Bills, especially bore the brunt of the curse, enduring a playoff drought from 1999 to 2017 – the longest in the NFL at the time.
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."
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.
The Buffalo Sabres have also faced their fair share of struggles, with a lack of consistent postseason success and a pattern of rebuilding without achieving significant breakthroughs. The Buffalo Braves, during their time in the city, had limited success before relocating to San Diego and eventually becoming the Los Angeles Clippers. The curse has garnered attention and speculation among sports fans and experts alike. Various theories have emerged, including the idea that the curse stems from a historical event or moment of injustice. Others argue that it is simply a matter of unfortunate circumstances, bad luck, or even poor ownership and management decisions. Despite the ongoing curse, Buffalo sports fans remain fiercely loyal and dedicated to their teams. The city has a reputation for having some of the most passionate and passionate sports fans in the country. They continue to support their teams through thick and thin, hoping that one day the curse will be lifted and their beloved teams will finally experience championship glory. Overall, the Buffalo sports curse is a phenomenon that has plagued the city for decades, bringing disappointment and frustration to its sports teams and fans. While the curse may be steeped in superstition and folklore, its impact on the psyche of the city and its sports culture cannot be denied. Until the curse is broken, Buffalo sports teams will continue to strive for that elusive championship and the redemption it brings..
Reviews for "Superstitions and the Buffalo Sports Curse: A Connection?"
1. John Thompson - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Buffalo sports curse". As a sports fan, I was excited to see a documentary that tackled the history of Buffalo's struggles in professional sports. However, the film lacked depth and failed to provide any fresh insights or perspectives. It felt like the same old stories were being rehashed without any new information or analysis. Additionally, the pacing was uneven and the editing felt choppy, which made it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I found "Buffalo sports curse" to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to fellow sports enthusiasts.
2. Sarah Miller - 1 star
I have to say, "Buffalo sports curse" was a complete waste of my time. The film offered nothing more than a surface-level overview of Buffalo's sports struggles, without delving into any of the underlying factors or complexities. It felt more like a promotional video rather than a well-researched documentary. Moreover, the narration was monotonous and lacked energy, which made it even more difficult to stay engaged. I was truly disappointed with this film and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive exploration of Buffalo's sports curse.
3. Robert Johnson - 2 stars
As a Buffalo native, I was excited to watch "Buffalo sports curse" and hoped it would shed light on the city's sports history. Unfortunately, this film fell short of my expectations. While it touched on the key moments and teams that led to Buffalo's sports curse, it lacked depth and failed to capture the true essence of what it means to be a sports fan in Buffalo. The interviews felt superficial and lacked the passionate voices of true fans. Overall, "Buffalo sports curse" missed the mark and failed to deliver a compelling narrative.