Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen always has fun with his position as the team's leader, which often involves coming up with creative audibles.
Allen tries to incorporate different words into the team's audible calls that go beyond the football field. On Sunday, against the New York Jets, fans noticed that Allen came up with a new audible that he debuted during the game, using the word "mangia."
Josh Allen with the "Mangia" audible. Someone's been watching Sopranos#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/Nt62ze1hp3
— Joe (@Metfanstears) September 14, 2025
While this audible doesn't mean much to most people, it is much bigger deal to the people of Orchard Park, NY. Here's the reason why Allen and the Bills decided to name a play, "mangia."
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Why does Josh Allen say 'Mangia, Mangia'?
Fans may have noticed that Allen introduced a new audible last week, changing a play at the line of scrimmage with the word "Mangia." While it might not be familiar to everyone, the people of Buffalo certainly recognize it.
Allen’s call was meant to honor one of the team’s favorite local restaurants, Mangia. He and his teammates often eat there, and the Bills quarterback wanted to give the spot a nod during the game.
"Obviously we have a nice little restaurant in Orchard Park that we frequent in the QB room," Allen said. "Just an ode to one of our favorite spots."
Josh Allen on his “Mangia, Mangia!” audible against the Jets: “Obviously we have a nice little restaurant in Orchard Park that we frequented in the QB room. Just an ode to one of our favorite spots.”#Bills #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/o1ghQ0uusH
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) September 16, 2025
Allen added the restaurant's name to his list of audibles to both honor the spot and to further signify Buffalo's offensive mantra, "everybody eats." Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady has stressed Allen spreading the ball around since last year, allowing every player to have success.
"It's not just about one person, no one's bigger than the offense. But in order for someone else to have success, I gotta do my job so they have success and then vice versa," Brady said in 2024.
MORE: Meet Josh Allen's family, from his actress wife to Allen Family Farms roots
What does 'mangia' mean?
Mangia is a restaurant in the Buffalo area where the Bills players frequently eat together. The Italian restaurant is owned by Fran and John Ricotta and has been a popular place for Bills employees and other Orchard Park residents.
"When we clearly heard the shoutout, as you can imagine, we were so excited," Fran Ricotta said, via The Buffalo News. "It was very cool of Josh."
Allen has been eating at the restaurant since moving to Buffalo, and he currently has a private table since becoming too big of a celebrity. Ricotta, however, didn't reveal Allen or the rest of the team's order.
"I don't want to tell you," Ricotta said. "But they're pretty consistent."
MORE: Why Josh Allen is wearing a visor following Week 2 nose injury