Bills Franchise Gunslinger Shows Up Late, McDermott Drops the Hammer Before Preseason Clash
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Orchard Park, NY – August 15, 2025 — Three days before the Buffalo Bills kick off their second preseason game, Josh Allen found himself in the middle of a rare training camp reality check from head coach Sean McDermott.
Friday’s practice at Saint John Fisher University was supposed to be a crisp, full-pads session — the last high-intensity workout before the team shifted into game-prep mode for their August 18 matchup. The offense was already halfway through its warmup period when Allen strolled in, hoodie over his practice jersey, helmet in hand, chatting and laughing with a teammate. By then, the first-team offense was deep into individual drills.
McDermott spotted it immediately. One sharp blast of the whistle froze the field. Players gathered in a huddle as the head coach locked eyes with his franchise quarterback and, loud enough for everyone to hear, delivered the line:
“This team will always embrace a star quarterback, but even the star quarterback has to grind like he’s still earning the job.”
The moment cut through the practice chatter. Allen nodded, tossed the hoodie aside, and stepped into the next set of 7-on-7 reps. He proceeded to deliver five straight completions, each with the kind of zip and precision that reminded everyone why he’s one of the NFL’s most dangerous passers.
Still, the message was clear — talent may get you the spotlight, but work keeps you in it. With three days until kickoff, McDermott made sure that standard was front and center for the entire roster.
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