There was a common thread that connects Kelly Lafferty, David Hoffman and Stephen Jones - and, that thread is their love of the Buffalo Bills.
All three were among the more than 100 diehard Buffalo Bills' fans who braved frigid weather to greet the team as it returned home early Sunday morning following its playoff loss to the Denver Broncos.
It was shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday when the Delta jet carrying the Bills back to Buffalo landed at Buffalo Niagara International Airport to a loud chorus of cheers.
So why come out?
"I figured the team needed to see and hear from the fans," said Jones.
There were appreciative smiles and waving of hands by Bills' players as they headed to their cars while the fans cheered.
The love affair between the Bills' and their ever-widening fan base continues to grow.
And, the fans who came out Sunday morning weren't just from the 716 area code.
They came from suburban Syracuse and from Rochester and Batavia, too.
Sometimes it is very personal.
Kelly Lafferty came to Buffalo Niagara International Airport not only for her own love of the team but also as a nod to her son, who died five years ago.
"It means something to be here," Lafferty said.