It takes a lot to surprise fans at Highmark Stadium, where wild weather and wilder football have become the norm.
But on Sunday night, one Buffalo Bills supporter managed to do just that by catching one of Josh Allen‘s wayward throws and immediately making a break for it.
Bills honor Hamlin, open with 96-yard kickoff TD
Early in the second half of Buffalo’s 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots, Allen rolled to his right on a red zone play, searching for an open receiver.
The pass sailed high, missing everyone in the end zone. Instead, it found a different kind of target, a fan in the stands wearing a Matt Milano jersey.
The man caught the ball cleanly, tucked it under his arm like a running back, and sprinted up the stairs as if headed for daylight. NBC’s Mike Tirico, calling the game, could hardly contain his laughter.
“Where’s he going with the football?” he asked as cameras followed the unexpected dash. Stadium staff appeared content to watch the moment unfold, not making any move to stop him.
Seconds later, Allen threw a touchdown to Curtis Samuel to give Buffalo a brief 10-6 lead, a play the fan-turned-receiver missed entirely as he ran off clutching his prize.
A fleeting highlight in another frustrating finish
The viral moment offered a brief laugh for Bills fans before the game turned south once again. Buffalo couldn’t hold onto its lead, with New England capitalizing late to steal a 23-20 victory.
For the fan, though, it was a storybook ending – the kind of once-in-a-lifetime souvenir that would make any supporter sprint for the exits. Social media lit up with clips of the escape, showing the man disappearing into the concourse while fans cheered him on. “He’s gone!” one user posted. “That’s the most successful drive Buffalo’s had all night.”
No officials attempted to retrieve the ball, and the Bills have made no comment on whether the fan faces any consequences. Given how good Allen’s passes usually are, it’s hard to imagine the quarterback begrudging someone for catching one of his rarer misses.
Not the first strange moment for Bills fans this year
The impromptu souvenir grab was just the latest in a growing list of odd fan moments at Highmark Stadium. Earlier this season, during a primetime win over the Baltimore Ravens, one spectator struck DeAndre Hopkins on the helmet as he celebrated a touchdown.
That incident prompted a swift reaction from Lamar Jackson, who pushed the fan back into their seat. The individual was later banned indefinitely from all NFL venues.
Allen even poked fun at his fanbase after that game, ribbing those who left early as the team mounted its comeback.
Sunday night, however, the quarterback might forgive the early exit, especially when the fan’s reason for leaving was wrapped in blue and white leather.
