New England Patriots Head Coach Jerod Mayo has come under fire after making a provocative statement ahead of his team’s high-stakes game against the Buffalo Bills. In a surprising and unorthodox move, Mayo claimed that he and the entire Patriots team would “mukbang a buffalo” as a morale-boosting ritual to prepare for the crucial matchup.

The statement, which Mayo made during a press conference, was intended to convey the team’s fierce determination to overcome their division rivals. “We’re hungry for this win—literally and figuratively. We’ll mukbang a buffalo if that’s what it takes to get the motivation we need,” Mayo remarked with a confident grin.

While some fans and players chuckled at the audacity of his metaphor, others criticized the comment as being in poor taste. Animal rights groups and Bills supporters quickly condemned the statement, interpreting it as a disrespectful gesture toward Buffalo’s namesake and a trivialization of wildlife.

Social media erupted with heated debates, with hashtags like #MayoMukbang and #RespectTheBuffalo trending. Bills fans, known for their passionate loyalty, were particularly vocal, accusing Mayo of taking trash talk to a bizarre and unnecessary level.

In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Patriots clarified that Mayo’s comment was meant as a joke, emphasizing that no actual mukbang involving a buffalo would take place. “Coach Mayo was simply using a lighthearted metaphor to highlight the team’s enthusiasm and hunger for victory,” the statement read.

Despite the controversy, the incident has only intensified the rivalry between the Patriots and the Bills. As the teams prepare to face off this weekend, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the action on the field.

For the Patriots, this game is a pivotal opportunity to reclaim momentum in the AFC East. For the Bills, it’s a chance to silence their critics and remind the league why they’re a top contender.

Whether Mayo’s words inspire his team or serve as bulletin-board material for the Bills remains to be seen. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on this fiery showdown, and the stakes have never felt higher.