The Buffalo Bills locker room was almost universally emotional following the team’s thrilling Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins, with their leader perhaps most visibly wearing his heart on his sleeve.

Veteran kicker Tyler Bass had built an early exit from the current iteration of the kicker in the lead-up to the final moments of the contest, going two-for-two on field goals while missing an extra point and hitting the upright on a other. He would ultimately achieve redemption by completing a franchise-record 61-yard kick in the final seconds of the game, securing a Buffalo wins 30-27 against the Dolphins.

Quarterback Josh Allen paid tribute to his teammate after the game, reflecting fondly on Bass’ journey to that moment.

Related: 4 takeaways from the Bills’ thrilling 30-27 win over the Dolphins

“So proud of him,” Allen said. “So happy for him. I got emotional in my little post-game speech. Just the trials and tribulations he’s been through this year, obviously missing one early in the day, hitting the pole on a other. He could have easily put it in the tank. A 61 yard field goal to win a game against a division rival, that’s what stories are made of. I love him, I respect him so much. Everyone in the locker room is so happy for him. He’s our guy.

Bass finished the game three of three on his field goals, including the 61-yarder, but he missed the aforementioned extra point, his third missed PAT of the season. He also missed three field goals this year.

There has been a lot of buzz around Bass’ performance all season, as he entered Week 9 making just 80% of his field goals and 92.9% of his extra points this year. The Bills, at one point, even signed a kicker to their practice squad to challenge Bass for the job. The veteran would retain his position and Buffalo showed confidence by giving him the opportunity to win the game for him in Week 9; he obviously delivered.

Although willing to move on, the Bills clearly did not want to part with Bass, expressing his confidence in him throughout the season despite his difficulties. His franchise-record game-winning kick in Week 9 should be the confidence boost the 27-year-old needs moving forward.

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