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Bills Rookie Did Not Participate Today After Donating Bl00d to Save His Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery

The story of CB Dorian Strong, the Bills sixth-round pick


Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Bills were without one of their young starters at practice today, but the reason was deeply personal and had nothing to do with football.

The absence came after a remarkable act of sacrifice, as a rookie cornerback stepped away from the field to donate blood in order to help his mother undergo

heart valve replacement surgery earlier this week.

That rookie is Dorian Strong, a sixth-round pick (No. 177 overall) out of Virginia Tech, who has unexpectedly been thrust into a starting role due to injuries in the secondary. Through four games, he has delivered a steady presence in coverage for Buffalo’s defense.

Strong has recorded 9 solo tackles, 1 assist, and 10 total tackles while allowing just 4 completions on 5 targets for 54 yards, per Sporting News. He has yet to tally an interception, sack, or forced fumble, but his reliability has impressed the coaching staff.

According to Pro Football Focus, Strong holds a 68.5 grade, ranking third among Bills rookies behind defensive linemen T.J. Sanders and Landon Jackson. He has logged roughly 70% of defensive snaps (about 180 of 260) along with 20% on special teams, playing primarily on the boundary.

His absence today was not performance-related, but a reflection of his priorities. Sources close to the family confirmed Strong’s blood donation directly aided his mother’s surgery, with his act described as both timely and selfless.

Head coach Sean McDermott spoke on behalf of the team: “Football comes second in moments like this. What Dorian did for his mother is bigger than any game. We’ll be here for him when he’s back on the field.”

For Bills fans, Strong has already become more than just a rookie cornerback. He’s shown the toughness and loyalty Buffalo embraces, proving that his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.