Fans, Bills bask in glow of stadium's swan song

"But if you simply glanced up to the stands, there would be no sign that the Buffalo Bills' lopsided 35-8 win over the New York Jets in Week 18 on Sunday had been over for several minutes. Most of the rows from top to bottom remained filled with standing fans taking in their likely last moments as their chants echoed around the stadium."

""I felt a little guilty, at times, looking up in the stands. I'm supposed to be coaching," McDermott said. " ... After scoring and we're getting our kickoff team ready, just taking a second or two to look up into the stands, people singing, Mr. Brightside. "I mean come on, where else does that happen in the NFL, right? That type of togetherness, that type of fellowship, community, love of their team and of each other, and I'll never forget it. Special moment.""

"There is not yet a guarantee that this was the final game played at Highmark Stadium, an area that has had many names, but is most affectionately still called, "The Ralph." The Bills are the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs, and still have the unlikely possibility of hosting the No. 7 seed Los Angeles Chargers down the road."

Fans remained standing and singing after the Buffalo Bills' 35-8 Week 18 win over the New York Jets, savoring likely final moments at Highmark Stadium. Most rows stayed filled as chants echoed and longtime attendees, including 86-year-old Janet Gallo, took in the emotional scene. Coach Sean McDermott paused during the two-minute warning to look toward the crowd and described the atmosphere as togetherness and fellowship. The game included tributes to the stadium's history with red throwback helmets and appearances by former players. The Bills hold the No. 6 seed in the AFC and retain a slim chance to host a playoff game, while preparing to move to the new Highmark Stadium for the 2026 season.

Read at ESPN.com