NFL Suspends Shawn Hochuli’s Crew After ‘Imaginary Calls’ Controversy in Bills–Patriots Game

Buffalo, NY – 2025 For more than a decade, Highmark Stadium has been defined by the passion of Bills Mafia rather than pom-poms and sidelines choreography. But according to sources close to the organization, the Buffalo Bills are exploring plans to bring back an official cheerleading squad for the first time since 2014. The Bills have been one of seven NFL teams — along with the Bears, Browns, Chargers, Giants, Packers, and Steelers — without a cheerleading team. Instead, game-day energy has been fueled by traditions like table-slamming tailgates, the Stampede Drumline, and larger-than-life characters such as Pinto Ron and Bills Elvis. Buffalo’s last official squad, the Buffalo Jills, performed from 1967 to 2014 before disbanding after a lawsuit regarding pay and working conditions. Cheerleaders were reportedly paid as little as $50 per game and required to attend unpaid events, sparking controversy that led ownership to cut ties completely. Since then, team ownership under the Pegula family has prioritized roster investment and fan-driven traditions. Josh Allen’s rise, community-driven donations, and the organic energy of Bills Mafia have become central to Buffalo’s identity. Many fans have argued a cheer squad is unnecessary when the atmosphere is already considered among the NFL’s most electric. But times may be changing. With Buffalo emerging as a perennial contender in the AFC, executives are reportedly discussing how a modernized cheerleading program could complement — not replace — existing fan traditions. Sources suggest a potential return would prioritize professional pay structures, community involvement, and inclusivity, addressing the pitfalls that ended the Jills era. Reactions among fans remain split. Some on X have doubled down on Buffalo’s uniqueness: “We don’t need pom-poms, we got tables and wings!” wrote one Bills Mafia account. Others express nostalgia: “Miss the Jills, but maybe it’s time to bring them back the right way.” If the Bills move forward, they would join the majority of NFL franchises in reintroducing cheerleaders as ambassadors of both entertainment and community outreach. For now, the discussions remain in early stages, and no formal announcement has been made. Whether a cheer squad returns or not, one thing is certain: the heartbeat of Buffalo football will always come from its fans. Still, after more than ten years, the idea of uniting tradition with a modern twist may offer a new chapter in the story of Bills Mafia. Stay tuned to ESPN!