Hamburg, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is off to a torrid start to his 2026 season, accounting for 674 total yards of offense and nine touchdowns to no turnovers. His hot play has also helped the Bills to a 2-0 start to the year, as Buffalo gets ready to play the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 at Highmark Stadium.
While Bills fans have always been enthralled by Allen's play under center in Buffalo, his biggest fans - parents Lavonne and Joel Allen - have absolutely loved the way their son has played to start the season.
"It's been electric," Allen's mother Lavonne said during a visit to Western New York on Friday. "For them to go to Houston and come home with that win was absolutely incredible. Everybody doubted us - we didn't doubt us, but everybody else did - and I love the games when we're doubted like that, and we're not supposed to take that win home. And we do it every single time."
Both Lavonne and Joel Allen were in attendance for last Thursday's home opener for the Bills at the new Highmark Stadium, joining the rest of "Bills Mafia" in their "MVP!" chants that rained down multiple times in a 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions.
Allen is in the middle of his ninth season with the Bills after being drafted seventh overall by the team in the 2018 NFL Draft out of the University of Wyoming. Both his parents have certainly appreciated how much Western New York has embraced the quarterback through all the ups and downs.
"It's been a wonderful experience just being a part of this journey. Western New York, it's like a second home," Allen's father Joel said. "Every time we come back here, it's like coming home. The people have been amazing, the organization has been just top notch. I couldn't see Josh having gone to a better situation. I think during the draft period, we were all hoping he'd become a Buffalo Bill, and he did. So we've been just amazed at the community and all the support."
"The money the fans and the community has raised for the Patricia Allen Fund just amazes us every day. Never ceases to amaze us either," added Lavonne. "When something happens, how they donate to other organizations and other teams, this community, there's nothing like Buffalo. And there's nothing like the Buffalo fans."
Thursday night was the first time either of Allen's parents were able to step foot in the new stadium, and they were blown away with what they saw.
"I think it's absolutely gorgeous," Lavonne said. "We were in a suite last night, and then we got asked to go up to the Gallagher section upstairs where they had the bar and the lounges and everything. People there were first class, it was absolutely beautiful. Very impressed.
"I think New York and Buffalo, they were ready for this. And I think it just showed last night how electric the crowd was, to see the lights, and then to see the team play like they've been playing, I think they're ready for that push."
Back in the 1970s when the old Highmark Stadium was built in Orchard Park, some believed it was because of the play of Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson that got that stadium put in place. In 2026, it may be argued that the new Highmark Stadium was built because of Josh Allen, who many already argue is a future Hall-of-Famer.
For Lavonne and Joel, that kind of talk around Josh never gets old for them.
"It literally brought tears to our eyes last night, walking in there knowing that they're the reason behind the stadium being built, and how much influence he's had on being able to bring that to Buffalo," Lavonne said.
"I think we were both in tears, and just an emotional moment," added Joel. "It's a beautiful stadium, and they did a fantastic job. I can't wait to go back. I think we've got another one coming in next week."
Over the years, Allen's footprint through his charitable actions have spread across Western New York, especially with the Patricia Allen Fund that benefits Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo. Now, the Allens are expanding their own footprint into the region with Allen Family Farm's cantaloupes and honeydew melons, as well as other products and merchandise now available at local Tops Friendly Markets.
"You get the flavors of Firebaugh, [Calif.] and obviously with the Allen brand, everybody gets to enjoy what we've enjoyed for many, many years," Joel said. "We're happy to do it, and happy to be a part of the process."
"The community has just really embraced us," Lavonne added.
"I couldn't see Josh having gone to a better situation"
"I couldn't see Josh having gone to a better situation"
