The Buffalo Bills fans have stirred up controversy ahead of their game against the Kansas City Chiefs by hanging a Kermit the Frog puppet dressed like Patrick Mahomes outside the stadium. The photos of the puppet went viral just before the highly anticipated matchup between the two AFC powerhouses at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The puppet was decked out in a jersey and wig to resemble the three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
The stunt has sparked a debate on social media, with some questioning whether it crossed the line considering Mahomes is Black. The Chiefs superstar has often been the subject of jokes throughout his career due to his distinctive voice, which has drawn comparisons to the iconic Muppets character.
Mahomes himself has acknowledged the ongoing joke about his voice, even addressing it prior to the Super Bowl in February. The connection to Kermit has not been limited to Bills fans, as Raiders players also got in on the act by mocking the quarterback with a mini Kermit at training camp in July.
While some are defending the Bills fanbase, claiming that the puppet has nothing to do with Mahomes’ race, others are calling for better behavior and urging Bills supporters to be more respectful. The controversy surrounding the puppet highlights the fine line between playful banter and potentially offensive behavior in sports fandom.
