“Bills QB Josh Allen Shouts ‘Mangia Mangia’ on the Field — and the Real Reason Will Melt Your Heart”
Josh Allens latest on-field call is more than just a play – its a flavorful nod to a beloved Buffalo eatery and the bond between the Bills and their community.
When Josh Allen steps up to the line, you never quite know what you’re going to hear. Sure, there’s the usual cadence and calls, but every now and then, the Bills’ quarterback spices things up with something a little more… unexpected.
This past Sunday against the Jets, Allen dropped a new audible that caught the attention of fans and foodies alike: “Mangia! Mangia!”
If you’re from Western New York, that word probably rang a bell-and maybe made your stomach growl.
So, what’s the story behind it?
Turns out, Allen wasn’t just channeling his inner Italian or quoting The Sopranos. He was giving a heartfelt-and hilarious-nod to one of the Bills’ favorite local eateries.
“Mangia,” which means “eat” in Italian, is also the name of a beloved restaurant in Orchard Park, just a stone’s throw from Highmark Stadium. It’s a regular hangout for Allen and the rest of the quarterbacks room, and the audible was his way of tipping his cap to the spot that keeps them fueled up off the field.
“Obviously we have a nice little restaurant in Orchard Park that we frequent in the QB room,” Allen said after the game. “Just an ode to one of our favorite spots.”
This wasn’t just a random shoutout-it fits perfectly into the Bills’ offensive identity. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has been preaching the “everybody eats” mentality since last season.
The idea? Spread the ball around, get everyone involved, and make sure no one leaves the field hungry for touches.
In that context, “Mangia!” isn’t just a fun audible-it’s a rallying cry.
“It’s not just about one person,” Brady said back in 2024. “No one’s bigger than the offense. But in order for someone else to have success, I gotta do my job so they have success and then vice versa.”
That philosophy has helped shape one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, and it’s clearly something Allen has bought into. The audible isn’t just a joke-it’s a symbol of the team’s chemistry and shared culture, both on and off the field.
As for the restaurant itself? Owned by Fran and John Ricotta, Mangia has become a go-to spot for the Bills and plenty of Orchard Park locals. When they heard Allen call out their name during the game, they were understandably thrilled.
“When we clearly heard the shoutout, as you can imagine, we were so excited,” Fran Ricotta said. “It was very cool of Josh.”
Allen’s been a regular there since he landed in Buffalo, to the point where he now has a private table-celebrity perks. The Ricottas are keeping quiet about what the QB and his teammates usually order, but they did say the group is pretty consistent.
So while “Mangia! Mangia!”
might sound like a quirky moment in the middle of a high-stakes NFL game, it’s actually a perfect snapshot of what makes Allen-and this Bills team-so uniquely Buffalo. It’s local pride, locker room chemistry, and offensive philosophy all rolled into one delicious audible.
And in Buffalo, where food and football go hand in hand, that’s exactly the kind of play call that hits home.
SAD NEWS: Steeelers Minority Owner Was Killed In An ATV Accident Over The Weekend
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The Pittsburgh Steelers organization is in mourning following the sudden death of minority owner Doug Lebda, a visionary entrepreneur and lifelong Steelers fan, who was killed in an ATV accident over the weekend. Lebda, 55, passed away on Sunday at his family's farm in North Carolina, leaving behind a profound legacy in business, philanthropy, and his deep passion for the black-and-gold.
Lebda, the founder and CEO of LendingTree—a leading online financial services marketplace—became a minority owner of the Steelers in 2019 when he acquired a stake previously held by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper. This move came after NFL rules required Tepper to divest his interests in other teams following his purchase of the Panthers. Lebda's approximately 5% ownership, estimated by Forbes at around $140 million, positioned him as a key figure among the team's 18 individual minority owners, alongside notables like Hall of Fame wide receiver John Stallworth and members of the Rooney family. He was often listed at the top of the Steelers' minority ownership group in official media guides.
Born in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Bucknell University, Lebda grew up rooting for the Steelers, making his ownership a dream come true. "It’s a good investment. But it’s also an amazing opportunity to be a part of what I think is one of the best organizations of anything in the world," Lebda said in a 2019 interview with the Charlotte Observer. His business acumen extended beyond football; after early stints as an auditor and consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, he founded LendingTree in 1996 out of frustration with the opaque mortgage lending process. The company revolutionized online financial comparisons, touching millions of consumers and earning Lebda a spot among the nation's highest-paid executives.
LendingTree announced Lebda's passing on Monday, with the board issuing a heartfelt statement: "Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers. His passion will continue to inspire us as we move forward together." J.D. Power, LendingTree's president, has been named interim CEO to lead the company through this difficult period.
The Steelers released a statement from President Art Rooney II, expressing the organization's devastation. Here's the key quote from Rooney: "Doug was a visionary leader in the business world whose innovations in financial services leave a lasting impact. His enthusiasm for the Steelers and the game of football was infectious, and he was a true friend to our family and organization. We extend our deepest condolences to Doug's wife Megan, their children, and the entire Lebda family during this heartbreaking time."
Tributes poured in from across the NFL and business communities. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, a friend of Lebda's, shared: "Susan and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Doug Lebda. Doug was a visionary entrepreneur and business leader who helped drive Charlotte’s growth and success." Lebda also co-founded Tykoon in 2010, a financial education platform for children and families, underscoring his commitment to community impact.
Details of the accident remain limited, with authorities confirming it occurred on the family's private property. Lebda is survived by his wife, Megan, and their children. As the Steelers prepare for their upcoming games, including a pivotal matchup against the New York Jets, the team and fans alike will honor Lebda's memory—a man who bridged Wall Street innovation with the unbreakable spirit of Steeler Nation. Services are pending, but his legacy in Pittsburgh and beyond endures.
