Since the start of the 2025 season, the Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills has become a viral sensation for mimicking the signature mannerisms of the Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) talks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) talks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Heexaggerated post‑tackle reactions and tossed dramatic neck jerks while searching for penalties. Social media erupted when a clip posted by Rate the Refs triggered a tide of parodies and GIFs.
JOSH ALLEN STARTS ASKING THE REFS FOR A FLAG WHILE HE IS FALLING TO THE GROUND.
💀💀💀
THE GREATEST FLOP-ARTIST OF ALL-TIME.
pic.twitter.com/0cBEo49qPX
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 9, 2025
Fans hammered out comparisons with the “Huh Rabbit” GIF, pointed to an Oscar and Heisman trophy image, and even joked that Hailee Steinfeld must be his rehearsal coach.
The mimicry included the finger‑wiggle celebration often associated with Mahomes’ flair in the red zone.
The contrast stands out because Allen and Mahomes are tied in one of the league’s top quarterback rivalries. Every matchup tells a story and this latest chapter adds a cultural layer to the competition.
Josh Allen’s Reactions Draw as Much Attention as His Throws in Bills‑Chiefs Rivalry
While the Bills and Chiefs chase Super Bowl runs this season the memes offer a rare lighthearted angle in a high‑tension matchup. Allen may not admit it publicly, but the online reaction illustrates how his body language and reactions now draw nearly as much scrutiny as his passing stats.
Many argue that the theatrical display distracts from his game, while supporters contend that it adds personality to the rivalry. Broadcasters noted the extra‑long reaction after a slight helmet tap in a recent matchup. “He’s got an offseason home in Hollywood,” one announcer quipped.
Memes also reveal how fans filter athletic performance through social‑media culture. Allen’s throws and runs are foundational to his play style. But now his facial expressions, gestures, and sideline responses make splash clips. The internet mirrors sport in real time.
Allen completed 27 of 40 passes for 262 yards and added 55 rushing yards in a key win over the Chiefs last year. His run on fourth‑and‑2 with two minutes remaining gave Buffalo a 30‑21 victory and displayed how he leads when it matters.
It repeated when the Buffalo Bills won 28-21 against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9 of the 2025 season. Josh Allen completed 23 of 26 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 19 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. Allen was later fined for a touchdown celebration during the game.
As the memes pile up coaches and teammates may wonder if the story affects the locker room. Leadership is measured in performance not attention. Mahomes still sets the standard and Allen’s growth is one to watch closely.
The Bills must balance flair with fundamentals. Memes and laughter do not win playoff games. Allen’s focus remains on staying effective on the field and controlling what makes headlines. He is playing for more than the moment; he is playing for legacy. The rivalry with Mahomes is a marathon, not a meme.