Fitzpatrick and Johnson Threw Pass Over Niagara Falls
Former Buffalo Bills teammates completed a football toss across the U.S. and Canadian border.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football
Former Buffalo Bills players Ryan Fitzpatrick and Stevie Johnson successfully completed a football pass over Niagara Falls. The duo performed the stunt from separate boats as a promotion for the team's inaugural game at their new stadium.
Why it matters
The stunt served as a high-profile promotional event to build anticipation for the Buffalo Bills opening their newly constructed stadium. It highlights the lengths to which teams go to engage fans through creative marketing.
Ryan Fitzpatrick played for 11 different professional teams during his career. Johnson completed the catch on his first attempt while performing additional maneuvers including one-handed catches from a knee.
The players
Stevie Johnson
He is a former wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills who played in the NFL from 2008 to 2015.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
He is a former NFL quarterback who played for 11 different teams over the course of his 17-season professional career.
The details
The athletes stood on separate boats positioned over Niagara Falls to execute the pass across the international border. Johnson remained tethered to his vessel for safety, and both players utilized a small slab of artificial grass on the boat deck to mimic field conditions.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Stevie Johnson and Ryan Fitzpatrick performed the promotional stunt over Niagara Falls.
Season Trajectory
This promotional stunt signals a shift toward elaborate, high-visibility marketing campaigns intended to sustain interest during a franchise's transition to a new venue. It aligns with broader league efforts to maximize engagement as teams attempt to redefine their home-field identity.
The Buffalo Bills are scheduled to play the first game at their new stadium following this publicity push. The event maintains public focus on the franchise's upcoming home schedule and venue debut.
The takeaway
Creative promotional events help franchises build momentum for major infrastructure milestones like new stadium openings. Fans can look for similar marketing spectacles as teams prioritize unique fan experiences in the modern era.
Further reading
For more on the team, visit the Buffalo Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
