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Bills Star Leaves Historic 4-0 Victory Celebration, Flies Home on Private Jet to See Ailing Mother

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Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard inactive for playoff game against Chiefs -  Sportsnet.ca

Orchard Park, NY — September 29, 2025 — The Buffalo Bills extended their perfect start to the season, defeating the New Orleans Saints 31–19 to move to 4–0. The game cemented Buffalo’s place in the history books — just the second time the franchise has opened with four straight wins. But for linebacker Terrel Bernard, the triumph quickly turned into a night of raw, personal heartbreak.

Bernard was everywhere on defense, finishing with 10 tackles and a key third-quarter sack that swung momentum back to Buffalo. His intensity symbolized the spirit of a Bills team hungry for greatness.

Yet after the final whistle, celebration gave way to tears. Bernard learned that his mother had been rushed to the hospital just before kickoff. His family had chosen not to tell him, allowing him to focus on the game.

The news devastated the 24-year-old defender.

“I didn’t know until after the game,” Bernard said, voice breaking. “I played my heart out, but when I heard about my mom, all of this felt different. That performance, those tackles — they’re all for her. I just pray she makes it through.”

The emotion in his words rippled through the locker room, silencing the usual postgame noise. Teammates rallied to Bernard, offering support and prayers. Head coach Sean McDermott praised his young captain’s strength:

“Terrel gave everything tonight. And to know he was carrying that weight without even realizing — it shows the kind of man he is. Football is family, and right now our family’s focus is on him and his mom.”

Recognizing the urgency, team owner Terry Pegula arranged for Bernard to board a private plane immediately after the game to be with his family. While the rest of the team soaked in the glow of their historic start, Bernard slipped away quietly, his absence a sobering reminder that behind every helmet lies a life much bigger than football.

For the Bills, Sunday’s win reinforced their status as early contenders. For Terrel Bernard, it became something else entirely: a night where the fight on the field paled in comparison to the one happening in a hospital room miles away.

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.