Buffalo Fans Are the Worst Trolls in the Country, Finds Survey
- Nationwide survey reveals the cities with the worst online trolls in sports.
- Buffalo sports fans ranked worst in the nation for online trolling, followed by those from New York City, Syracuse, Yonkers + Rochester.
- Infographic included showing each city’s troll ranking.
As many sports seasons have kicked off or will soon kick off, fans across the nation are gearing up for the action-packed months ahead. For millions, September marks the return of weekend traditions, game-day rituals, and the long-awaited chance to cheer on their favorite teams. While most fans immerse themselves in the excitement and joy of rooting for their teams, a select few have a different goal in mind: stirring the pot online.
101GreatGoals.com carried out a survey of 3,000 sports fans across the country to find out which cities and states house the most notorious online trolls – those fans who thrive on jumping into social media debates with one aim: riling up rival fanbases. These trolls turn sports rivalries into an art form, crafting the perfect comment to get under the skin of their opposition.
Perhaps to no one’s surprise, the survey found that the top two cities housing the worst online trolls both reside in New York. Topping the list is Buffalo, where the Bills Mafia has earned quite a reputation for its over-the-top antics, not just at tailgates but also in the digital realm. Known for their die-hard loyalty, these fans are quick to jump into heated discussions, often escalating the situation with bold comments that push their rivals to the edge.
Right behind them are the sports fans of New York City, whose diverse array of teams – Yankees, Giants, Jets, Knicks, and more – further amplifies their online presence. These fans never miss an opportunity to rub salt in the wounds of their opponents, especially following a big game or contentious moment.
The top five cities with the worst sports trolls are:
1. Buffalo
2. New York City
3. Dallas,
4. Atlanta
5. Pittsburgh
Three other New York cities made the list of the top online sports trolls: Syracuse (34th); Yonkers (42nd) and Rochester (116th). Known for their passionate support of teams such as the Bills, Sabres, Bulls, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Rangers, the Orange, these fans have gained a reputation for their relentless online trash talk. They may not be among the top offenders, but their dedication to defending their teams and ruffling a few feathers in the process certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by rival fanbases across the country.
101GreatGoals delved further into online trolling by sports fans. When asked about their reactions to football trash talk, nearly half of fans (48%) said they simply laugh it off, viewing the online banter as all part of the fun. For them, it’s another aspect of the rivalry that adds to the excitement of the sport. However, not everyone is so casual. A significant 22% of respondents revealed that they actively engage with the trolls, diving into the debates with a “bring it on” attitude, while 28% of fans prefer to ignore the noise altogether, not wanting to waste their energy on the trolls. Only a small 2% of fans take a firm stance by reporting these online instigators, signaling that most prefer to either enjoy or avoid the banter rather than silence it.
Spotting a sports troll in the wild can be fairly easy if you know what to look for. According to fans, the biggest giveaway is the overuse of caps lock, with 34% claiming that the all-caps, SHOUTING style of writing is a clear sign that a troll is on the loose. Others, 25% in fact, point to excessive use of emojis as the hallmark of a troll, a tactic often employed to mock rival teams or exaggerate reactions. Quoting endless stats and numbers is another sign, with 23% saying that trolls often use this as a weapon to win arguments. Then there’s the classic strategy: bringing up old games no one remembers, which 17% of fans say trolls rely on to reignite forgotten grudges.
When it comes to football specifically ,what game moments spark the most trolling? According to the survey, 38% of fans said that nothing stirs up trolls quite like an interception in the final minutes of a game, a moment when emotions are running high, and trolls are eager to jump in with their snarky commentary. A touchdown celebration gone wrong was also a prime trolling opportunity for 26% of fans, followed closely by a coach’s questionable play call, which 19% said often triggers trolls. Meanwhile, 17% of fans agree that a missed field goal is enough to set the trolls into a frenzy.
When it comes to the kind of trash talk that annoys fans the most, nearly half (48%) say that personal attacks are the worst, indicating that trolls often cross the line from fun banter to hurtful comments. Another 32% say that the most frustrating thing is when trolls display overconfidence, especially when their team hasn’t won in years. For 16% of fans, questioning their team’s history is the ultimate provocation, while just 4% feel that meme-filled responses are the most irritating form of trash talk.
“Sports rivalries are deeply embedded in American culture, and while trash talk has always been part of the fun, it’s taken on a new life in the digital age,” says Darren Colebrook of 101GreatGoals. “The data shows that while many fans enjoy engaging in playful debates, it’s important to remember that trolling can quickly escalate into more negative territory. Our survey highlights the need for fans to strike a balance between passionate support for their team and respect for others online. After all, sports are meant to bring people together, even when we’re rooting for opposite sides.”
Story credit 101GreatGoals
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
