Bills Re-Sign the Man Who Nearly Ended WR Keon Coleman’s Career: "I Truly Feel Regret"

Buffalo, NY — In a stunning twist, the Buffalo Bills are bringing back one of their most polarizing former stars. Former All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer, who spent last season with the Miami Dolphins, has officially re-signed with Buffalo, per agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln.

But this homecoming doesn’t come without scars. Bills fans still remember Week 9 of the 2024 season (Nov. 3, 2024) — a night when Buffalo defeated Miami 30-27 in dramatic fashion.

Late in the 4th quarter, facing third-and-9 at their own 31-yard line, quarterback Josh Allen launched a deep ball to rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman. As Coleman leapt high as a defenseless receiver, Poyer closed in and delivered a helmet-to-helmet blow — the crown of his helmet colliding with Coleman’s facemask.

The ball fell incomplete, but the flags flew: unnecessary roughness, 15 yards and a first down. The penalty kept Buffalo’s drive alive, setting up Tyler Bass’s 61-yard game-winning field goal.

Coleman suffered a right wrist injury, was forced to wear a brace, and missed the next four games. Poyer was fined $11,193 by the NFL for “hit on a defenseless player.” Though he defended himself postgame saying it was a “clean play aimed at the chest,” both head coach Mike McDaniel and league officials disagreed, citing the league’s strike zone rules (no hits above the shoulders on defenseless players).

The aftermath left a mark: Poyer’s reputation as a fan favorite in Buffalo took a blow, and Coleman’s promising rookie season was disrupted.

This week, standing in front of microphones, Poyer admitted the weight of that moment:

“I truly feel regret for what happened before. I want to offer my sincerest apology to Keon Coleman — he’s a young, talented player with incredible resilience and the future of Buffalo. Coming back here, I want to start fresh, give everything I have to this team, to my teammates, and to this community that once embraced me.”

On social media, reactions remain split. One fan from Rochester posted bluntly:

“Boooo! I’ll never forget when he tried to end Keon Coleman’s career with that illegal whack hit! He and his wife can kick rocks!”

Reddit threads like r/buffalobills still recall the moment, with comments ranging from “dirty hit” to outright anger toward Poyer.

Keon Coleman himself took the high road, offering words of forgiveness and perspective:

“Mistakes happen in this game, but I’ve always respected Jordan as a veteran and a competitor. Having him back in Buffalo only makes us stronger — his leadership and experience will help me grow and help this team chase greatness.”

For Poyer, this isn’t just a return. It’s a chance to rewrite his legacy. The hit that once defined his relationship with Buffalo may now become the moment that makes his redemption arc all the more powerful.

The stage is set: Will Bills Mafia embrace the prodigal safety once again, or will the echoes of that Week 9 collision linger in every cheer — and every boo?