Josh Allen’s go-to is “Go Bills.” But when acknowledging his alma mater it’s “Go Pokes.”
Buffalo’s quarterback shouted out a cowboy code during his player introduction on NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast.
It’s his nod to the University of Wyoming, where “Go Pokes” is the rallying cry for the Cowboys.
Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins introduces has gone viral for saying he’s from “You already Shnow University” during the introductions. Tight end Dalton Kincaid says he’s from Vanderburg Elementary, a salute to his primary school in Henderson, Nevada.
When Allen introduces himself on primetime with a “Go Pokes,” it’s his way of giving a national nod back to Laramie.
Here’s what it means.
What does ‘Go Pokes’ mean?
“Go Pokes” is cheer for the University of Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls athletic teams. “Pokes” is short for cowpokes, a slang word for cowboys.
Allen played at Wyoming from 2015 to 2017, throwing for 5,066 yards and 44 touchdowns with another 12 rushing scores. He went 16–10 as a starter before declaring for the NFL Draft, where the Bills selected him No. 7 overall in 2018.
Why does Josh Allen say it?
Allen uses “Go Pokes” as a shoutout to his alma mater.
He’s the most famous player in Wyoming football history and is about to have his No. 17 jersey retired. The school will retire the number on Nov. 22, during halftime of its game against Nevada. Allen will be the first Cowboy in history to receive that honor.
Wyoming traditions
- Mascots: Wyoming features Pistol Pete (a costumed cowboy mascot) and Cowboy Joe, a live horse who trots out at games.
- Nickname origins: The “Cowboys” name dates back to 1891, when a bystander shouted “Hey, look at that cowboy!” at a Wyoming player.
- Songs: Fans cheer with “Fight, Wyoming, Fight” and “Ragtime Cowboy Joe.”
- “Pokes”: A shortened nickname that became a statewide term of endearment for Wyoming athletics.
