For Pete's Sake

‘X-Files’ actor proclaims he is lifting the show’s Super Bowl curse on the Buffalo Bills

“X-Files” fans loved the Cigarette Smoking Man.
“X-Files” fans loved the Cigarette Smoking Man.

During the 1990s, the Fox television show “The X-Files” took a deep dive into conspiracy theories.

“The X-Files” was a commercial and critical success, and episodes focused on government cover-ups, aliens and, at one point, football.

In one episode, there was a discussion among government officials about fixing the Academy Award nominations, and the conversation turned to the Buffalo Bills.

It involved one of the most popular recurring characters on the show, the Cigarette Smoking Man.

“I’m working on next month’s Oscar nominations,” an agent says. “Any preference?”

The Cigarette Smoking Man’s response: “I couldn’t care less. What I don’t want to see is the Bills winning a Super Bowl. As long as I’m alive that doesn’t happen.”

Another agent says: “Could be tough, sir. Buffalo wants it bad.”

“So did the Soviets in ‘80,” the Smoking Cigarette Man says.

“What, are you saying you rigged the Olympic hockey game?”

“What’s the matter,” the Cigarette Smoking Man responds. “Don’t you believe in miracles?”

Here is the scene:

William B. Davis is the actor who played the Cigarette Smoking Man on “The X-Files” and wrote in a Facebook post this week he was officially lifting the Bills curse.

“I am today officially removing my curse on the Buffalo Bills,” Davis wrote. “If they are able to defeat Kansas City I will permit them to go on and win the Super Bowl. Go Bills Go. .......................Cigarette Smoking Man.”

That means if the Bills beat the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, we’ll know the truth is out there.

This story was originally published January 24, 2025 at 11:37 AM.

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Pete Grathoff
The Kansas City Star
From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.
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