In the next-man-up nature of the NFL, Jordan Poyer knows opportunities are fleeting.
So the fact the Buffalo Bills safety is back in their starting lineup ahead of their showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs has Poyer feeling some strong feelings.
Poyer spoke about getting his second straight start ahead of the team’s AFC Championship Game rematch at Highmark Stadium on Sunday in Orchard Park.
Poyer spent the first five weeks on the Bills’ practice squad, which earned him high praise from coach Sean McDermott. But after the Bills secondary was ravaged by injuries, notably to safety Taylor Rapp, Poyer got back into the Buffalo lineup and posted five tackles in Buffalo’s 40-9 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Poyer Compared The Bills To A Family
Poyer was picked in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles then was traded to the Cleveland Browns his rookie season. He also spent one year with the Miami Dolphins in 2024.
But Poyer credited the organizational culture in Western New York and compared the Bills’ culture to a family, which is why he finds it so fun being on the team.
“It truly feels like family,” Poyer said. “That makes it a lot more fun to be out there and on the field in those grind moments when you’re looking at your teammates, but you’re looking at your brothers too. You’re wanting to be better for them; you’re wanting to make plays for them. You’re wanting to put in a little extra for them.”
Poyer spoke highly of how the players feel. But he also shared how that culture permeates off the field to organizational members.
“The love around the guys for this team is real,” Poyer said. “We want to keep in what makes this place so special, [which is] not the players but the whole organization from the front office to the cafeteria … all around the stadium.”
Jordan Poyer Wakes Up Grateful He Gets To Start For The Bills
Poyer only missed starting one game over his first five seasons with the Bills, plus 11 playoff starts between 2017-23.
Yet, after leaving Buffalo to join the Dolphins in 2024, then rejoining the Bills and participating on their practice squad, Poyer has a new and profound appreciation for starting for one of the favorites to win the AFC and Super Bowl.
“I still wake up in the morning and just smile and just [say] I’m going to work as the starter,” Poyer said. “I’m extremely grateful. I bust my butt to even be sitting here right now.
“It’s a blessing to be back here, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it.”
Part of Poyer’s enhanced gratitude is his perspective, since the 34-year-old isn’t sure how many more chances he’ll have to start after the Bills D-backs get healthy.
“I’m extremely thankful, and I’m just going to continue shooting my arrows,” Poyer said. “I don’t know how many more I got left, but I’m right where my feet are, enjoying the time here with the guys, working each and every day, playing the games each and every weekend.”
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