Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass is hoping to improve on his terrible mistake from the Kansas City Chiefs playoff game.
Kicker Tyler Bass had the most challenging final stretch of the season of any Buffalo Bill.
Bass set up for a 44-yard field goal with fewer than two minutes remaining in the Bills’ Divisional Round matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, which would have knotted the score at 27. At first glance, Bass’s kick was impressive, but it abruptly veered to the right and ended up well away from the uprights. The Chiefs would then run out the time to win 27–24, shattering Bills Mafia’s heart once more.
The Chiefs would go on to win their third Super Bowl in five years and their second consecutive one, which only made matters worse. Had Bass made the kick and the Bills had gotten a few more bounces, perhaps they would have lifted the Lombardi Trophy.
It appears that Bass has accepted how the season ended a few weeks later. Bass made a thoughtful return to social media on Thursday, having previously deleted his accounts.
“Life’s greatest lessons are imparted at the most trying times. I will always treasure the love and support I received from my teammates, Bills Mafia, and @10livesclub! Thankful for another season – till the fifth one! Pay Bills Every Time.”
Following the miss, Bass was initially the focus of anger for many Bills supporters. However, more understanding supporters soon started to unite around the fourth-year kicker. The non-profit cat rescue organization that Bass works with, Ten Lives Club, received donations from both Bills and Chiefs supporters. A few days later, a local artist created a snow sculpture of Bass and QB Josh Allen having a moment following the game.
Although Bass’s performance in his most recent game may have been lacking, it will perhaps serve as motivation for him to improve in 2024.