Buffalo Bills gay football league decision revealed at Pride

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills recently became the ninth NFL team to support a local chapter of the National Gay Flag Football League.

The flag football league began in 2002 and currently has 27 sections and more than 4,000 players. You don’t have to be gay to participate in the league, which includes heterosexual allies.

“We are excited to join the NFL and other league clubs in supporting the NGFFL,” Bills vice president of community impact Michelle Roberts said in a statement Tuesday, announcing the news during the month pride.

“Through our sponsorship, we look forward to expanding NGFFL’s impact in our community.”

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Other NFL teams that sponsor a National Gay Flag Football League team include the New York Jets, New York Giants, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals , the Chicago Bears, the Washington Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks.

The league operates in many non-NFL markets, including Austin, Honolulu, Portland, Oregon, Providence, San Diego, Salt Lake City and Toronto,

Gay Bowl XXIV events will take place this year from October 31 to November 3 in downtown Austin.

“Our mission is to unite the community through a spirit of competition while celebrating our diversity,” NGFFL Commissioner Joel Horton said in a statement.

“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 .”