The Buffalo Bills locker room was almost universally excited following the team’s thrilling Week 9 victory 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 version of the kicker in the lead-up to the final moments of the contest, going two for two on field goals, missing one extra point and hitting the post on another. He would finally get his redemption when he scored a franchise-record 61-yard kick in the final seconds of the game, securing a Buffalo’s 30-27 victory against the Dolphins.

Quarterback Josh Allen gave credit to his teammate after the game, emotionally reflecting on Bass’ journey to this point.

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

“I’m very proud of him,” Allen said. “I am very happy for him. I got emotional with my little post-game speech. Just the trials and tribulations he’s been through this year, obviously missing one early in the day and crashing into the pole on another. I 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 a lot. Everyone in that locker room is very happy for him. “He’s our guy.”

Bass finished the game three-for-three on his field goals, including the 61-yarder, but 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 noise about Bass’s performance all season, as he entered Week 9 having made just 80% of his field goals and 92.9% of his extra points on the year. The Bills, at one point, even signed a kicker to their practice squad to challenge Bass for the job. The veteran would retain the job and Buffalo showed their confidence by giving him a chance to win the game in Week 9; He obviously complied.

Although they were open to moving forward, the Bills evidently did not want to part ways with Bass. expressing confidence in him throughout the season despite his struggles. His franchise-record winning kick in Week 9 should be the confidence boost the 27-year-old needs moving forward.

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