Happy Thanksgiving Messages from the Buffalo Bills

As families across Western New York and beyond gather around dinner tables to share gratitude and tradition, the Buffalo Bills have long used Thanksgiving as a chance to deepen their bond with the Bills Kingdom—sending heartfelt messages that blend holiday cheer with a celebration of the community that supports them year-round. Unlike generic sports team greetings, the Bills’ Thanksgiving messages feel personal: they highlight local stories, honor unsung heroes, and reflect the team’s own gratitude for the fans who fill Highmark Stadium with energy each Sunday. This year, amid a season filled with both triumphs and challenges, the Bills’ messages carry extra weight—serving as a reminder that football is more than a game; it’s a shared experience that brings people together. Happy Thanksgiving Messages from the Buffalo Bills is a story of connection, as the team uses the holiday to say “thank you” in ways that resonate far beyond the gridiron.

The centerpiece of the Bills’ Thanksgiving outreach each year is a video message featuring players, coaches, and staff—all sharing what they’re grateful for and sending well wishes to fans. This year’s video, posted to the team’s social media channels on the eve of Thanksgiving, opens with quarterback Josh Allen sitting at a table adorned with a Bills-themed tablecloth, holding a plate of his grandmother’s famous chocolate chip cookies. “Thanksgiving has always been about family for me,” Allen says in the video, “and here in Buffalo, the Bills Kingdom is our family.” The video cuts to other players: running back James Cook talks about being grateful for his teammates’ support during his recent injury recovery; cornerback Tre’Davious White shares a laugh about his young daughter’s first attempt to help cook stuffing; and head coach Sean McDermott reflects on the privilege of leading a team in a city that “loves so fiercely.” What makes the video special is its authenticity—there are no scripted lines, just genuine moments that feel like a peek into the players’ lives. For fans, it’s a chance to see their favorite athletes as people, not just competitors. Happy Thanksgiving Messages from the Buffalo Bills thus becomes a bridge between the team and the community, reminding everyone that they’re part of something bigger.

Beyond the video message, the Bills extend their Thanksgiving spirit to local communities through hands-on giving—turning their gratitude into action. Each year, players and staff volunteer at food banks across Buffalo, helping pack meals for families in need. This year, a group including Allen, Cook, and tight end Dawson Knox spent the morning at the Food Bank of Western New York, where they sorted 10,000 pounds of nonperishable food and handed out Thanksgiving meal kits to families. “It’s easy to take this holiday for granted,” Knox said during the event, “but there are so many people here who struggle to put a meal on the table. Being able to help—even in a small way—means everything.” The Bills also partnered with local grocery stores to donate turkeys to 500 families in underserved neighborhoods, with players personally delivering some of the birds. These acts of service aren’t just PR stunts; they’re a core part of the Bills’ identity. For decades, the team has prided itself on being “Buffalo’s team,” and Thanksgiving is a chance to live up to that title by giving back to the people who support them. Happy Thanksgiving Messages from the Buffalo Bills thus goes beyond words—it’s a commitment to making the holiday brighter for those who need it most.

The Buffalo Bills also use Thanksgiving to honor local heroes—first responders, teachers, and community leaders who go above and beyond for others. This year, the team invited 20 such individuals to a special Thanksgiving luncheon at their training facility, where they were treated to a meal prepared by the team’s chefs and got to meet players one-on-one. Among the guests was Sarah Johnson, a Buffalo Public Schools teacher who started a program to provide homeless students with warm coats; and Michael Torres, a firefighter who helped rescue residents during last year’s blizzard. “These are the people who make Buffalo such an amazing place,” McDermott said at the luncheon. “We talk a lot about teamwork on the field, but the real teamwork happens in our communities every day.” The Buffalo Bills shared the stories of these heroes on their website and social media, encouraging fans to thank the unsung people in their own lives. For the honorees, the event was a chance to feel seen and appreciated. “I do this work because I love this city,” Johnson said, “but to be recognized by the Bills? It’s a dream come true.” Happy Thanksgiving Messages from the Buffalo Bills thus becomes a tribute to the community’s strength, shining a light on the people who make Buffalo special.

Another meaningful tradition for the Buffalo Bills is their “Thanksgiving with the Bills” contest, which invites fans to share their own holiday traditions or stories of gratitude for a chance to win prizes—including game tickets, autographed merchandise, and a virtual meet-and-greet with a player. This year, the team received over 2,000 entries, ranging from a family that has hosted a Bills-themed Thanksgiving potluck for 15 years to a veteran who credits Bills games with helping him cope with PTSD. The Buffalo Bills shared some of these stories on their social media, turning fans into the stars of the holiday message. “Reading these entries reminds us why we do what we do,” said Bills president Ron Raccuia. “Our fans don’t just watch us—they live with us, through the wins and the losses, and their loyalty is something we’re forever grateful for.” One contest winner, Maria Lopez of Rochester, N.Y., got to video chat with Allen and share how her family’s “Bills Bingo” game (where squares are based on game plays) has become a Thanksgiving tradition. For fans like Lopez, the contest isn’t just about winning—it’s about feeling heard and connected to the team. Happy Thanksgiving Messages from the Buffalo Bills thus becomes a two-way conversation, with the team listening as much as it speaks.

Looking ahead, the Buffalo Bills’ Thanksgiving messages will continue to be a beloved tradition—one that strengthens the bond between the team and the Bills Kingdom. In a league where teams often feel disconnected from their communities, the Bills stand out for their commitment to showing up, not just on game days, but on days that matter most—like Thanksgiving. Whether it’s volunteering at a food bank, honoring local heroes, or sharing fan stories, the Bills use the holiday to remind everyone that gratitude is a team sport. For the Buffalo Bills, Thanksgiving isn’t just a break from the season—it’s a chance to celebrate the values that make their franchise special: community, resilience, and love for the city they call home. As Allen said in this year’s video message, “We’re grateful for the wins, but we’re even more grateful for you—the fans who stick with us through everything.” Happy Thanksgiving Messages from the Buffalo Bills is ultimately a love letter to the Bills Kingdom—a reminder that together, they’re more than a football team; they’re a family. And on Thanksgiving, there’s no better gift than that.