“DISGRACE”: New Yorkers explode after Empire State Building celebrates Patriots’ Super Bowl-bound run

New York prides itself on loyalty. On Sunday night, that loyalty felt tested when the city’s most recognizable skyline icon glowed in colors few locals wanted to see. As celebrations erupted elsewhere following the AFC Championship, frustration poured out across social media in New York, where football rivalries still run deep and memories stay sharp.

The reaction was instant and loud. Fans of the New York Giants and New York Jets watched the Empire State Building light up in red, white, and blue to honor the New England Patriots. For many, it felt less like a neutral tribute and more like an unexpected jab, especially given the long history between New York football fans and New England’s dynasty years.

Empire State Building honors Patriots win, triggering backlash from New York fans

The official Empire State Building account fueled 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 10-7 victory over Denver. A video of the skyscraper glowing in Patriots colors quickly made the rounds online.

Jets and Giants supporters wasted no time responding. One fan wrote, “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, saying, “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.”

The backlash highlighted how emotional NFL allegiances remain, even off the field. For many New Yorkers, the Patriots symbolize years of heartbreak, controversy, and dominance at their expense.

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.

That did little to cool tempers. In a city where football pride is personal, lighting choices can feel political. On this night, the skyline itself became part of the rivalry.

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