Buffalo Bills apply to trademark fan base's Mafia nickname

FILE - In this July 27, 2017, file photo, fans shop in the merchandise tent on opening day of Buffalo Bills NFL football training camp in Pittsford, N.Y. The Mafia is becoming legitimate in Buffalo — the Bills Mafia that is. The Bills last week filed an application to trademark its fanbase’s adopted nickname in preparation to launch a series of branded merchandise and apparel available at its team store and sold online. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)

FILE - In this July 31, 2011, file photo, Buffalo Bills' Stevie Johnson smiles during an NFL football training camp in Pittsford, N.Y. The Mafia is becoming legitimate in Buffalo — the Bills Mafia that is. The Bills last week filed an application to trademark its fanbase’s adopted nickname in preparation to launch a series of branded merchandise and apparel available at its team store and sold online. The nickname stemmed from former Bills receiver Stevie Johnson questioning God on Twitter for having a sure touchdown pass fall through his hands in overtime of a 19-16 loss to Pittsburgh on Nov. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/David Duprey, File)

A Buffalo Bills fan funded airplane with a message of support flies overhead Bills Stadium before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Mafia is becoming legitimate in Buffalo — the Bills Mafia that is. The Bills last week filed an application to trademark its fanbase’s adopted nickname in preparation to launch a series of branded merchandise and apparel available at its team store and sold online. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)