NFL: Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
Sep 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady walks the sidelines while coaching against the Houston Texans in the second half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
A long-time media member covering the Buffalo Bills claims that he lost his press-box credential at new Highmark Stadium for the NFL season. John Murphy, a voice of the Bills for WIVB-TV, the official TV station of the team, believes he knows why he no longer has access.
Murphy believes that an article critical of head coach Joe Brady is what led to the team declining his credential.
According to Alan Pergament of the Buffalo News, Murphy was informed of the decision just two days after his article was published. Murphy’s credential was reportedly denied because of a team policy against credentialing part-time workers.
Murphy alleges a win prediction article, which placed the Bills at 10 wins for the season, was not published by the outlet “**due to pressure from the Bills**.”
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John Murphy Feels Slighted Over Credential Loss
🚨𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Bills radio broadcaster John Murphy had his press-box credential revoked at Highmark stadium.
The ban comes after he wrote a column criticizing new coach Joe Brady. pic.twitter.com/WiuIfOPcXS
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) September 22, 2026
The press box at Highmark Stadium is reportedly smaller than in the past, which is what led to the team cutting down press-box credentials for part-time workers. However, Murphy still believes the decision may be tied to his criticism of Brady.
“I think so, but I don’t know,” Murphy said.
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He also felt slighted by the station for not fighting for his right to have extra access to the team.
“They didn’t fight for me,” he added. “It wasn’t that bad. I am insulted. But I don’t care anymore. I’ll watch on TV. That’s fine. I don’t want people feeling sorry for me.”
Bills quarterback Josh Allen talks with offensive coordinator Joe Brady during the Buffalo Bills training camp Wednesday, Sept.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen talks with offensive coordinator Joe Brady during the Buffalo Bills training camp Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2024 at St. John Fisher University. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Murphy was an analyst and radio voice for the voice for 34 years, before retiring in 2023 after suffering a stroke. He claims that Bills V.P. of marketing Chris Jenkins showed him the seat he would have reserved in the press box, before the debacle played out.
The Bills have not commented on the situation, so for now, it’s a story of “he said, they said,” but the show must go on.