Right outraged by Buffalo Bills to support Gay League

Even though the modern National Football League has made great strides toward diversity in recent years, from celebrating gay players to promoting LGBTQ inclusion, these moves still generate particularly harsh backlash.

Most recently, the NFL’s Buffalo Bills faced some criticism after announcing on June 18 that they would follow several other NFL teams in sponsoring a local chapter of the National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL).

Journalist Carmine Sabia, who describes himself as “a voice of inspiration and clarity,” posted on X that sponsorship is “what the end of the United States looks like.”

This is what the end of the United States looks like.

The Buffalo Bills sponsor the National Gay Flag Football League. pic.twitter.com/8ac1PZHyxC

— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) June 18, 2024

Other right-wing pundits jumped in, like Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt.

“When you thought you could escape Pride Month propaganda by watching football, apparently not,” Schmitt said on air. “The Buffalo Bills are the latest NFL franchise to support a new national gay flag football league. What?”

Meanwhile, in Buffalo, the Bills cited NGFFL commissioner Joel Horton in his statement touting the sponsorship.

“We are excited to bring inclusive flag football to Buffalo with the support of the Buffalo Bills,” Horton said. “This exciting addition joins 27 other cities and over 4,000 players, including direct allies, in the (NGFFL).

“Our mission is to unite the community in a spirit of competition while celebrating our diversity. By fostering an environment where everyone is welcome, we aim to build a stronger, more inclusive Buffalo. Together, with the support of the Buffalo Bills, we are creating a space where all individuals can participate, compete and thrive.

The New York-based NGFFL, founded in 2022, holds its annual National Gay Bowl, as well as other tournaments.

This year, the Gay Bowl takes place from October 31 to November 3 in Austin, Texas.

At the local level, the DC Gay Flag Football League gained official status in 2010 and now has more than 200 players. The NFL’s Washington Commanders are among the sponsors of the DCGFFL.