In a political scene dominated by tête-à-têtes and strategic plays, Sen. Cory Booker found a way to unite his love for football with his legislative duties by giving a surprising nod to the Buffalo Bills during a record-breaking Senate speech.
The New Jersey Democrat’s marathon address, which clocked in at a staggering 25 hours and 6 minutes, broke the U.S. Senate floor record for the longest speech—a record previously held by Sen.
Strom Thurmond since 1957.
Joining Booker in the 15th hour of his speech was New York Sen. Chuck Schumer.
In a light-hearted exchange, Booker made a playful jab at the interstate rivalry, noting that while Schumer, a Brooklyn native, might typically refrain from praising someone from Newark, both senators share a fandom for the New York Giants. Booker humorously clarified his New York allegiance by pointing out that the only team playing in New York is the Bills, as the Giants and Jets both call New Jersey home.
Schumer, who has a history of rallying support for the Bills to remain in Buffalo, echoed the sentiment with a simple “Go Bills,” underscoring his affection for the team.
The love for the Bills also extends to their star quarterback, Josh Allen. Known for his sly humor, Allen couldn’t resist ribbing a reporter with the reminder that there’s truly only one New York team after a decisive win against the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Despite his rhetorical touchdown, Booker’s dedication to his cause meant there would be no celebratory table-jumping, a nod to the Bills’ fans’ infamous tailgate antics. Instead, he admirably adhered to Senate rules by remaining on his feet throughout the entire speech. The senator tackled this Herculean task by fasting for nearly three days and abstaining from liquids almost 24 hours before the filibuster began—a far cry from the lively atmosphere of a Bills tailgate party.
Booker’s address was more than just an NFL shoutout; it was a symbolic stand protesting the Trump administration’s policies. While his epic speech definitely scored him points with NFL fans, it also demonstrated the fervor with which he approaches matters both political and personal.
For those curious about Booker’s gridiron pedigree, his love for football is backed by an impressive resume. A high school standout in New Jersey, Booker was named as a defensive back on the 1986 USA Today All-USA high school football team, lining up alongside future NFL legends like Emmitt Smith and Ricky Watters. Transitioning to college ball, Booker suited up for Stanford as a tight end, showcasing his versatility on the field while excelling academically, earning a spot on the Pac-10 All-Academic team.
Booker’s football journey didn’t stop him from achieving academic excellence—he was Stanford’s senior class president, earned a Rhodes Scholarship, and went on to receive degrees from Oxford and Yale Law School. A career in politics might have been Booker’s final destination, but it’s clear that the senator’s days on the football field continue to influence his work in the Senate, one reference to the Buffalo Bills at a time.
