Original Coverage & Source Attribution: sports.yahoo.com
Bills Mafia is trading tailgate lots for the red carpet this evening as Just One Before I Die: The Story of Buffalo Fans celebrates its premiere ahead of its Wednesday, October 21 debut on Tubi.
From legendary tailgate traditions to personal journeys, some of Bills Mafia’s most recognizable personalities are stepping into the spotlight as a new a new five-part documentary series celebrates what makes Buffalo Bills fandom unlike any other.
The premiere brings together the documentary’s creators, featured fans, and special guests to celebrate the stories and traditions that have helped make Bills Mafia one of the most recognizable fan bases in professional sports.
Buffalo Bills fandom is unlike anything else in the world of sports. It’s a community built on decades of loyalty, unforgettable traditions, friendships, heartbreak, and an unwavering belief that someday, the Buffalo Bills will finally bring home a Super Bowl championship.
Several years ago, Buffalo-raised filmmakers Kevin Polowy and Addison Henderson set out on a journey to capture that passion and tell the stories of the people who make Bills Mafia what it is today.
On Wednesday, October 21, their vision becomes a reality when Just One Before I Die, a five-episode documentary series, premieres on Tubi. All five episodes will be available to stream free of charge.
But before the documentary makes its streaming debut, the cast, creators, and members of Bills Mafia will gather Tuesday evening for a special red-carpet premiere in Buffalo.
Meet some of faces
For anyone who has spent time around a Buffalo Bills tailgate, some of the personalities featured in the documentary need little introduction. Others have built their communities through social media, charitable initiatives, and their dedication to the team.
Among the familiar faces featured in the series:
Kenny “Pinto Ron” Johnson: One of Buffalo’s most recognizable tailgate legends, famous for the ketchup-and-mustard ceremony and the traditions surrounding the Red Pinto Tailgate.
Del Reid: Co-creator of the “Bills Mafia” movement and founder of 26 Shirts, a charitable apparel company that has turned Buffalo sports fandom into a powerful force for giving back to the community. 2023 Bills Fan of the Year.
Frank “HannaBill-Lecter” Barber: A school principal who transforms into one of Bills Mafia’s most recognizable characters on home game days, dressing up and painting his face to show his unwavering support for the Bills.
Joanie “Mama J” Podkowinski DeKoker: With more than 260 consecutive Bills games under her belt, Mama J is a familiar face throughout Bills Mafia. Her signature cowboy hat, adorned with Bills pins collected over the years of attending games, maybe as recognizable as she is.
Kristen Kimmick: Founder and president of Bills Mafia Babes. She founded the group in 2016 to create a welcoming community where female Bills fans could discuss football without judgement.
Sara “Shades” Larson: A dedicated Bills fan whose consecutive-game attendance streak has taken her across the country and the pond, following the team through wins, losses, and everything in between. The “Sara Shades” nickname was given by production as a lighthearted joke that has kind of stuck.
Norm “Torpedo Dan” Brumfield: A Bills Mafia staple known for attending tailgates in his signature Speedo, even when the temperatures drop well below freezing.
Sirr “SirrBaby” Woods: A recognizable Bills Mafia creator whose personality and journey are featured in the documentary. Though originally from Texas, he gained widespread popularity amongst the Bills community celebrating Buffalo football culture.
John “Elvis” Lang: One of the fan base’s most recognizable personalities, bringing his unmistakable Elvis-inspired game-day appearance to the stands. 2022 Bills Fan of the Year.
Norm and Poo, “The Chefs”: very familiar faces within the Bills Mafia tailgate community and often seen at games with their chef hats on. 2024 Bills Fan(s) of the Year.
The documentary also features Ché Noir, Michael and Chuck Skelly, Kris Rose Brown, Keita Nakagawa, Jay Gatz, Steve Biegner, Kimberly Kaliszewski, Renee De Wald, Donna Hartnett, Damsel ‘N Disdress, Becky Rice-Kane, and many more.
While the costumes, traditions, and larger-than-life personalities may be what initially catch your attention, Just One Before I Die takes viewers beyond the surface to discover the people behind them.
Bills Mafia has never been defined solely by wins and losses. It’s the traditions, friendships, travel, dedication, and generations of fans who continue showing up for a team still chasing that elusive Super Bowl championship.
Just One Before I Die brings some of those stories to the screen, offering viewers a look at the individuals who make this fan base unlike any other. For many of us, the series is also a tribute to those of us who lost someone along the journey who never got the opportunity to witness JUST ONE.
A Buffalo story brought to life by an extensive creative team
At the heart of the documentary are creators, directors, writers, and producers Addison Henderson and Kevin Polowy, who spent years bringing the project to life.
The production also includes co-creator and executive producer Clayton Polowy, with executive producers including former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed, Chad Michael Murray, Mac Cappuccino, Marty Polo, Amy Elizabeth, Kayme Crowell Gianatasio, Jose Padin, Jamal Henderson, and Maverick Carter.
Additional members of the production team include producer Leah Lynette Cohen-Mays, co-producer Trent Boling, associate producer KJ Zielezinski, directors of photography Andy Morin and Stephen Gerard Kelly, and composer Christy Carew.
The series represents years of work dedicated to sharing the stories of a fan base whose connection to its team extends far beyond the football field.
Bills Mafia rolls out the red carpet
On Tuesday, October 20, the documentary’s creators, featured personalities, and special guests will gather in Buffalo for the red-carpet premiere of Just One Before I Die.
For many involved in the project, the premiere marks the culmination of years of filming, storytelling, and capturing the moments that define Bills Mafia.
It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the community that made the documentary possible before the series reaches audiences nationwide.
The credits roll, but the party is just getting started
Following the premiere, Bills Mafia is invited to keep the celebration going at the official Buffalo After Party, hosted at Southern Tier Brewing Co. in downtown Buffalo.
The event promises signature draft beer, cocktails, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, giveaways throughout the evening, and a chance to celebrate alongside fellow Bills fans.
Best of all, it’s a party with a purpose. A portion of sales will benefit the Andre Reed Foundation, which supports children through literacy, mentorship, and youth programming.
Buffalo After Party details
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Location: Southern Tier Brewing Co.
Address: 7 Scott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Tickets:
The event is sponsored by Seneca Nation, INGRAM Micro, Epson, Dave & Adam’s Card World, Big Indian Drift Pit, Kiss 98.5, WGR 550 Sports Radio, and Southern Tier Brewing Company.
Grab your tickets now! Join Bills Mafia tonight at Southern Tier Brewing Co. for the official Just One Before I Die after-party.
Purchase tickets: JustOneParty.Eventbrite.com
How to watch ‘Just One Before I Die’
The wait is almost over.
All five episodes of Just One Before I Die premiere Wednesday, October 21, on Tubi, where the entire series will be available to stream for free.
Whether you’ve been following the Bills for decades, recently joined Bills Mafia, or simply want to understand what makes this fan base so passionate, the documentary offers a look at the traditions, relationships, and personal stories that have made Buffalo Bills fandom a phenomenon.
And while the series may end after five episodes, the stories of the fans featured in it are far from over.
Five episodes. Countless stories. One dream. Just One Before I Die.
