Byron Brown has got jokes during these unsettling times.
The mayor of Buffalo, N.Y., quipped about Tom Brady’s departure from the New England Patriots on Tuesday at a coronavirus update press conference when he urged Bills fans not to celebrate TB12’s free-agency decision in groups of nine or more people. Brady’s exit presumably weakens New England and boosts Buffalo’s chances of overtaking its rivals in the AFC East pecking order in 2020 and beyond.
“Just a reminder, bars and restaurants are open for takeout and delivery only,” Brown said, as seen in a video WIVB’s Chris Horvatits shared on Twitter. “So for those of you who want to celebrate Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots — and, hopefully, leaving the AFC East — there are no mass gatherings. Celebrate responsibly. Celebrate at home, and with less than 10 people present.”
Brady announced Tuesday he’ll leave the Patriots in free agency after 20 years with the team. He’s expected to make Buffalo’s aforementioned hopes come to pass Wednesday after joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a contract NFL insiders believe will be worth roughly $30 million per season.
Buffalo’s prospects had brightened hours before Brady’s announcement when reports claimed the Bills were nearing a trade for Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Stephon Diggs.
If ever there’s a time for the Bills Mafia and Buffalo’s other fans to celebrate, it probably is now.