Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Buffalo, NY (January 12, 2025) — Highmark successfully wrapped its final season “TaleGate” fan experience, capturing over 1,000 heartfelt fan stories during Highmark Stadium's final season. Highmark’s “TaleGate” inspired fans to tell their favorite Buffalo Bills and Highmark Stadium stories inside an immersive, nostalgic trailer that served as a recording studio. Most recently, the Bills and Highmark surprised three final storytellers in a heartfelt way with Buffalo Bills legends.
The TaleGate trailer, featured at many Bills home games, is a nostalgic space filled with memorabilia and authentic stadium seats. Fans entered to record their tributes, capturing the essence of their connections to the team and stadium, in order to honor the team’s rich history and connection to the community, and carry those memories into the future. Dozens of memorable stories were also shared through the Bills app and social accounts throughout the season.
In the end, Highmark and the Bills teamed up to celebrate three fan stories that were particularly meaningful, orchestrating surprise reunions with the very legends who had profoundly impacted their lives:
Sawyeh and Taheera shared a moving TaleGate story about Dion Dawkins' unwavering spirit in the aftermath of the racially motivated shooting on May 14th. Their retelling was met with a special surprise appearance from Dion Dawkins himself, highlighting the true meaning of community and determination. Watch the Dion Dawkins Surprise Here
Julie’s Highmark TaleGate memory was deeply intertwined with Damar Hamlin’s inspiring fight. Her own cardiac health journey was influenced by Damar's perseverance, prompting her to seek medical help, including mental health support. Damar Hamlin surprised Julie, underscoring the powerful impact of inspiration and hope. Watch the Damar Hamlin Surprise Here
Thurman Thomas Surprise: Tasha’s poignant TaleGate story detailed her perseverance through premature labor and delivery, and her son’s subsequent developmental journey. A scholarship from Thurman Thomas proved pivotal in her son's path to college. Tasha’s emotional retelling was met with a heartfelt surprise from Thurman Thomas, a testament to the enduring power of hope. Watch the Thurman Thomas Surprise Here
“The outpouring of stories and emotions from Bills fans during the Farewell Season at Highmark Stadium has been truly remarkable,” said Christian LoGrasso, Director, Brand Partnerships and Activations for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, “Our TaleGate trailer became a vessel for shared history, and we were honored to facilitate these incredible moments where fans could connect directly with the legends who inspired them. These stories, and the many others we collected, are a testament to the deep-rooted community spirit and unwavering dedication of the Bills fan base that make us so proud to call Western New York home.”
The TaleGate initiative successfully complemented the Bills' efforts to commemorate the stadium's legacy, ensuring that the cherished memories from its opening in 1973 will be preserved for generations to come.
About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1936, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employs more than 1,400 people and serves as a key economic driver in the region. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community.
For more information, contact
Amber Hartmann
716-208-9534
Amber.Hartmann@highmarkhealth.com
