NFL Fan Support in Toronto: Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions and Other Clubs

When considering NFL fan support in Toronto, the Buffalo Bills emerge as the most likely choice for supporters due to their geographical proximity and strong fan base in Southern Ontario. However, other teams such as the Detroit Lions have a presence, albeit smaller in scale.

Geographical Proximity and Fan Base

The Buffalo Bills have a significant following in Southern Ontario, with Buffalo, New York, being just a little over an hour's drive from Toronto. This proximity is a key factor in fan support, especially considering the success of the Bills in terms of fan engagement and attendance.

The Bills have even hosted regular-season games in Toronto as part of the NFL’s initiative to expand its fan base in Canada. The recent events, such as the Bills Toronto Series games, have shown that despite its initial struggles, the Bills continue to attract dedicated fans in the city.

Personal Connections and NFL Franchises

While some individuals may support the Detroit Lions due to their proximity (Detroit is about a 4-hour drive or train ride from Toronto), this support far lags behind the Bills. For instance, Bear, a lifelong resident of Toronto, is a diehard Denver Broncos fan. He emphasizes his deep-rooted allegiance to the Broncos, stating that even if an NFL franchise were to come to Toronto in his lifetime, it would never change his preference for the Broncos.

Buffalo Bills fans in Toronto are not the majority, despite the team's strong presence. In fact, the Bills have a significant following but Toronto is not considered a "Bills town." The Bills Toronto Series games, held in a historic basketball arena, missed the mark in terms of attendance, with the author even attending the first two games themselves.

Moreover, in terms of other teams, the Detroit Lions have a notably smaller presence in Toronto. Despite successful efforts to introduce NFL games in Detroit, there are fewer Lions fans in the city compared to the Bills. This highlights the strong preferences for teams such as the Buffalo Bills over other distant teams.

Other NFL Fan Preferences in Toronto

While Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions have garnered attention, the NFL fanbase in Toronto also includes fans of other teams. For instance, the Detroit Lions and other distant teams like the Saints, Redskins, and Super Bowl champions often have dedicated fans in the city.

Personal anecdotes and experiences, such as Bear's lifelong support for the Denver Broncos, contribute to the diversity of NFL fan preferences in Toronto. Family traditions and personal connections can also influence fan support, as seen with Bear's father's past support for the Raiders and Vikings.

In conclusion, while Buffalo Bills fans make up the plurality in Toronto, the city's NFL fanbase is diverse and includes supporters of various teams. Factors such as geographical proximity, personal connections, and individual preferences all play a crucial role in determining NFL allegiance in Toronto.