New York City has long prided itself on fierce loyalty, particularly when it comes to its sports teams. On Sunday night, that loyalty felt profoundly tested when the city's most iconic skyline symbol, the Empire State Building, illuminated in colors that few local residents wanted to witness. As celebrations erupted elsewhere following the AFC Championship game, frustration poured out across social media platforms in New York, where football rivalries run deep and memories of past contests remain sharply etched in collective consciousness.
Instant Backlash from Giants and Jets Supporters
The reaction was immediate and vociferous. Fans of the New York Giants and New York Jets watched in disbelief as the Empire State Building glowed in red, white, and blue to honor the New England Patriots. For many, this display felt less like a neutral tribute and more like an unexpected jab, especially given the long and contentious history between New York football enthusiasts and New England's dynasty years.
Official Post Fuels Controversy
The official Empire State Building account amplified the moment with a celebratory post that read, "Santa Clara bound! Shining in @Patriots colors in honor of their AFC Championship win" following New England's narrow 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos. A video showcasing the skyscraper bathed in Patriots colors quickly circulated online, drawing swift and heated responses from the New York faithful.
Social Media Erupts with Criticism
Jets and Giants supporters wasted no time in voicing their displeasure. One fan expressed incredulity, writing, "Wait, is this a joke? You are in New York! You think if the Jets won they would be lighting buildings up in green in Boston? I feel like I'm having a stroke." Another simply posted, "DISGRACE," while a third demanded accountability, stating, "What kinda crap is this? Fire the person making these decisions." Others leaned into sarcasm, with one comment joking, "I mean... it ain't like they bout to use those colors for the Giants."
Emotional Allegiances Beyond the Field
The backlash highlighted how emotional NFL allegiances remain, even off the playing field. For numerous New Yorkers, the Patriots symbolize years of heartbreak, controversy, and dominance at their expense, making the tribute particularly galling.
Timing Adds to the Sting
The moment carried extra weight with New England now set to face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 2026 on February 8 in San Francisco. Ironically, the Empire State Building also acknowledged Seattle's NFC Championship win later that night, lighting up in green and blue. However, this gesture did little to cool tempers among New York football fans.
Skyline as a Battleground
In a city where football pride is intensely personal, lighting choices can feel distinctly political. On this contentious night, the skyline itself became an unwitting participant in the longstanding rivalry, demonstrating that in New York, loyalty to one's team transcends mere fandom and touches the very identity of the metropolis.
