There’s probably no word to describe the exact emotion Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass felt moments after hitting a record-breaking 61-yard field goal to secure a Week 9 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Putting his last few weeks into perspective, this kick could prove to be career-saving.

There isn’t a position in the NFL that seems to have as much turnover as kicker, and Bass almost saw the reality of that. After his rough outing, continue Monday night football Against the New York Jets earlier this year, the Bills signed Lucas Havrisik to their practice squad to provide competition. Havrisik was released last week, a vote of confidence for Bass; after his match-winner on Sunday, Bass most likely secured his role in this team until the end of the season.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott, who said he was concerned about Bass’ kicking earlier this season, spoke about Bass’ game-winner during his post-game press conference and expressed immense pride in the veteran.

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“What a story, man. What a story,” the head coach said of his kicker. “T-Bass sets a franchise record, and that doesn’t happen by itself. I want to make sure I give credit where credit is due in addition to T-Bass, with Sam (Martin) and Reid (Ferguson), and the guys up front blocking for him was a great kick for us.”

McDermott went on to talk about the ordeal Bass has endured so far, stating that his Sunday work was a result of the 27-year-old eliminating the outside noise and staying dedicated to his craft.

“Overall, I think here’s a young man who’s been through it,” McDermott said. “The journey he makes from week to week, the questions that have been asked of him and I, but really just in terms of him having to work in the field, it’s normal, it’s the business we’re in . a great example of mental toughness, I think it’s a great example of perseverance, resilience, and for young kids out there, right? halfway through the season, and he didn’t back down.

“I think that says a lot about who he is. This journey will continue, but it also says something about our dressing room: even in today’s game we missed the extra point, I think. He should make a point.” kick later, and he made it in convincing fashion. This competition is both mental and physical, and sometimes even more mental.

Bass’ 61-yard kick broke a Bills franchise record. The previous record was held by Steve Christie, who hit one from 59 yards in 1993. The Bills are the second-to-last team in the NFL to have a kicker make a field goal from at least 60 yards. The last team standing is the Green Bay Packers, who have a franchise record of 58 yards.

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