Buffalo Bills fan Kyrsten Rorick just wanted to have a little fun at her first-ever playoff game, but her homemade sign wound up sparking a much larger conversation about fandom, online criticism, and the challenges faced by women in sports culture. What started as a lighthearted attempt to connect with her family and show support for the Bills turned into a viral moment that, for better or worse, shone a spotlight on Rorick and her now-infamous sign.
For context, Rorick, a lifelong Bills Mafia member from Rochester, brought the sign to Sunday’s playoff matchup against the Ravens at Highmark Stadium. Her goal was simple: make something fun that might get noticed on TV so her family watching from home could share in the excitement. Mission accomplished.
The sign was spotted early in the game, giving her family a special moment to text and celebrate. But by Monday morning, the mood had shifted when the sign hit social media, where a wave of harsh criticism and mocking comments poured in.
The post on X (formerly Twitter) drew hundreds of comments, with some users calling it “the worst sign they’ve ever seen at a stadium.” One particularly cutting remark read, “A woman definitely made it,” sparking discussions about the kind of scrutiny women often face as sports fans. While Rorick acknowledges that the joke behind the sign—a reference to a Bills video about players playing Wordle—may have gone over the heads of some viewers, the backlash left her stunned.
“When something is posted online, it sometimes reaches an audience it wasn’t intended for,” Rorick explained. “People who aren’t Bills fans don’t understand who Josh Allen is or why the sign might be funny.” Despite the criticism, Rorick isn’t backing down. Instead, she’s using the moment to advocate for positivity and inclusivity in sports fandom.
“When people post negative comments to something that is supposed to be fun and entertaining, it really discourages people,” she said. “Especially sports fans for showing up for their favorite teams in a way that feels right for them.” Rorick took to TikTok to share her experience, posting videos that have now racked up over 220,000 views. The response has been overwhelming, with thousands of women—and men—rallying behind her.
Many praised her for standing tall in the face of negativity and emphasized the importance of creating a safe, welcoming space for all fans, regardless of gender. “It’s not a secret that women who are sports fans tend to face very different treatment than men,” Rorick added. “It was really important for me to create that space, so women still feel safe showing up for their favorite teams.”
Update on the worst fan sign ever at the bills game last night 😂 pic.twitter.com/3WaXDStGZF
— Angelica St. Onge (@angelica_st) January 21, 2025
In true Bills Mafia fashion, Rorick plans to bring her sign to every game moving forward—laminated for durability and symbolic of her commitment to celebrating her team on her terms.
For her, this isn’t just about a sign anymore; it’s about proving that every fan deserves to feel included, whether they’re painting their face, breaking a table, or holding up a handmade sign. Because in the end, sports are supposed to be fun, and fandom belongs to everyone.
