In a fitting farewell to Highmark Stadium, the Buffalo Bills delivered a dominant 35-8 rout of the New York Jets in the regular season finale, capping off a 12-5 campaign and securing the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, stepping in after Josh Allen took just one ceremonial snap, shone brightly with four touchdown passes, but it was his emotional postgame remarks that truly captured the hearts of Bills Mafia and the NFL world alike.

Trubisky, who completed 22 of 29 passes for 259 yards and no interceptions, addressed the media with a voice full of gratitude and reflection. “The atmosphere was special,” he began, his eyes scanning the room as memories of the day flooded back. “The fans showed out as usual.

Bills Mafia – the best fans in the league. We just really wanted to perform well one last time in this stadium for them. Going out with a win like this, in front of this crowd… it’s something I’ll never forget.”

The game itself was a celebration from start to finish. With the Bills resting many starters to prepare for their Wild Card matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Trubisky orchestrated an offense that racked up 470 total yards while holding the Jets to a meager 122.

Touchdowns went to Dawson Knox, Ray Davis, Gabe Davis, and Ty Johnson – each score met with roaring approval from the 70,944 fans packed into the 53-year-old venue.

Highmark Stadium, home to the Bills since 1973 (originally as Rich Stadium), hosted what is likely its final regular-season game. The Jets, ironically, were the opponents for the stadium’s inaugural regular-season contest over five decades ago. Fans lingered long after the clock hit zero, singing along to “Mr.

Brightside” at the two-minute warning, tossing snow like confetti, and belting out the traditional “Shout!” song and “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Fireworks lit the sky as players and coaches took one last lap around the field, soaking in the moment.

Trubisky’s performance was vintage efficiency. His first touchdown, a 17-yard strike to Knox early in the game, set the tone. He followed with precise throws to Davis and Johnson, spreading the wealth and helping teammates hit incentives – a classy move that didn’t go unnoticed.

“I wanted to make sure guys got what they needed,” he later admitted with a smile. “This team is family.”

But the heartfelt core of Trubisky’s message centered on the stadium and the fans. “I’ve only been here a few years, but this place… it’s hard to put into words what it means to Bills Mafia,” he said. “The energy, the passion – it’s unmatched.

We talked all week about protecting our turf one last time. Hopefully it’s not goodbye forever – maybe we’ll get a playoff game here – but if this was it, we sent it out the right way.”

Head coach Sean McDermott echoed the sentiment, calling the day “the perfect sendoff.” He took a moment during the game to gaze at the stands, fans in full voice singing along. “This is what I envisioned,” McDermott said. “A packed house, celebrating what we’ve built here.”

For Trubisky, a veteran journeyman who has bounced from Chicago to Buffalo and back, the afternoon felt personal. Drafted No. 2 overall in 2017, he’s often played in the shadow of expectations. Yet in Buffalo, as Allen’s reliable backup, he’s found a home.

“Buffalo’s special,” he continued in his press conference. “The people here embrace you. Win or lose, they’re with you. Today, performing for them in this historic game – it means everything.”

Bills Mafia responded in kind on social media, trending #ThankYouHighmark and #TruLove. One fan posted: “Mitch Trubisky just gave us the perfect farewell speech. Tears in my eyes.” Another: “From the first snap with Josh to Mitch closing it out – poetic.”

The victory wasn’t without broader implications. The Bills head to Jacksonville next weekend as the No. 6 seed, facing a Jaguars team that handed them tough losses in the past. But for now, the focus remains on closure.

The new Highmark Stadium across the street opens in 2026, promising modern amenities while preserving the tailgate culture that defines Bills football.

Trubisky’s journey adds layers to the emotion. He revealed he inquired about teammates’ incentives before drives, ensuring Knox hit bonuses on his touchdown catch. “That’s who he is,” offensive coordinator Joe Brady said. “A ultimate teammate.”

As the locker room cleared, players like Gabe Davis – who scored his first touchdown since early last season – spoke of legacy. “They’re the best fans in the world,” Davis said. Local product Joe Andreessen, starting at linebacker, called it “a bunch of memories.”

In a season of highs – James Cook III winning the rushing title, multiple Pro Bowlers – this finale stood apart. Trubisky’s words encapsulated it: gratitude, pride, and hope. “We fed off the energy,” he closed. “This place, these fans – they’ll carry us into the playoffs.”

Bills Mafia surges forward, energized by a commanding win and a quarterback’s heartfelt tribute. The chapter at old Highmark closes, but the story continues.