Buffalo Bills starting left tackle Dion Dawkins casts a larger-than-life presence over Western New York, from his charismatic personality to his stellar play on the field. That extends off the field, too, where Dawkins is involved in several community service projects through his charity, Dion’s Dreamers.
Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by discussing the news that Dawkins has once again been honored as the Bills’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

For the third straight year, starting left tackle Dion Dawkins was nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award by the Buffalo Bills. The award is one of the NFL’s most prestigious honors and recognizes players for both their on-field excellence and community service.

Through his charity, Dawkins held his fourth annual 716 CommUNITY Day in Buffalo in July, providing more than 1,000 families with meals, free haircuts, clothes, and hygiene products. Dawkins has also teamed up with Delta Sonic and The Teacher’s Desk to provide school supplies to teachers for the start of the new school year, and outside of Buffalo, Dawkins gives back to his hometown of Rahway, NJ.
Every team gets to nominate a player for the award. The winner will be announced during the NFL Honors on February 6, the week of the Super Bowl.

The Bills are getting healthy as the team prepares for its Week 14 showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. Everyone practiced in some capacity, including rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist), tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee), safety Taylor Rapp (neck/shoulder), and wide receiver Curtis Samuel (foot), who were all limited participants. Additionally, safety Micah Hyde took part in his first full workout since being signed to the Bills’ practice squad earlier in the week.
Bills bring back veteran safety Micah Hyde
With the Bills only having three safeties on the roster – starters Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin and rookie Cole Bishop – Micah Hyde was signed to Buffalo’s practice squad to give the Bills another experienced safety at the back of their defense. Hyde is expected to serve on the practice squad for most of the rest of the regular season, allowing him to get back in game-playing shape while potentially contributing in the playoffs.