Damar Hamlin makes his acting debut in Hallmark’s A Bills Love Story, a Bills-centered holiday romcom filming around Buffalo. The trailer hints at Hallmark/NFL collaboration, with Hamlin popping in for a wink as part of a Bills-flavored plot. The film will premiere November 22, bolstering cross-brand visibility for the Bills and the league. Cameos from Bills figures including Dawson Knox and Joshua Palmer are teased, and Buffalo staples like Highmark Stadium anchor the backdrop.

The piece notes added Hallmark NFL crossovers after last year’s Chiefs-themed Holiday Touchdown, and lists several Bills figures expected to cameo, including Reid Ferguson and DeWayne Carter. Filming locations emphasize Buffalo’s community spirit, aligning the team’s on-field identity with Hallmark’s family storytelling. Fantasy readers should view this as a branding moment rather than a direct player performance signal, with no immediate on-field impact expected for the Bills.

Julian Ashby enters a high-stakes Patriots camp in a rare position battle after being drafted in the seventh round and replacing Joe Cardona. The long snapper’s job is under constant scrutiny—one miscue can cost a roster spot, and Ashby has already shown progress with a preseason tackle and solid camp reps, though no snap is perfect. The role has evolved: athletes must snap cleanly, block, and cover, all while fighting for job security in a league where longevity comes from consistency and rebound ability.

Historically, long snappers have been scarce in the draft and even rarer in sustaining long NFL careers. The article traces the path from Mannelly’s 16-year run to today’s market, where veterans earn minimums or multi-year deals and a standout snapper can become a cornerstone. Ashby’s early signs in New England—private workouts, team praise, and a positive preseason footprint—place him on a delicate, demanding, and potentially rewarding path.

Ultimately, the story underscores how fragile the role is yet how rewarding it can be when a rookie carves out security. The Patriots’ move to slate Ashby as Cardona’s successor highlights the blend of precision, athleticism, and mental resilience that defines modern long snapping, with the best performers commanding steady contracts after proving they can rebound from the inevitable hiccups.

Reid Ferguson has solidified his place as a mainstay for the Buffalo Bills, having signed a new four-year extension that keeps him with the team until the end of the 2029 season. This extension marks his commitment and significance in the squad, especially since he has been a part of the franchise since the start of the Sean McDermott era. Ferguson's reliability is showcased by his record of missing only one game in his eight seasons, a rarity for a long snapper, underscoring his importance to the Bills' special teams unit.

Ferguson's journey began with a brief release in 2016, only to return to the practice squad and eventually earn his place on the active roster. His consistency and performance have made him a vital asset to the team, contributing to the Bills breaking a lengthy playoff drought. The future looks bright for Ferguson, whose new deal signifies the Bills' confidence in his abilities to maintain stability in the long snapper position.

The Buffalo Bills secured a wildcard victory over the Denver Broncos, but the win came with significant penalties for four players. The NFL fined safety Damar Hamlin, cornerback Taron Johnson, long snapper Reid Ferguson, and wide receiver Mack Hollins for infractions during the game, totaling $49,634.

Taron Johnson faced the heftiest fine of $14,305 for unnecessary roughness, while Mack Hollins was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct twice, incurring fines totaling $6,376. Reid Ferguson was fined $11,255 for his involvement in one of Hollins's infractions, contributing to a chaotic sequence near the end of the first half.

In a pivotal wild-card matchup, Marvin Mims Jr., the Denver Broncos' punt returner, faced a challenging moment against the Buffalo Bills. During the game, Mims was hit hard by Bills' special teamer Mack Hollins after receiving a punt. The Broncos were in a tight spot, trailing 10-7, and Mims' decision to return the punt without calling for a fair catch led to a significant play.

After the hit, Mims engaged in a brief confrontation with Reid Ferguson, another Bills player, who taunted him. This resulted in Mims receiving a penalty for unnecessary roughness, while Ferguson escaped without punishment. The Broncos were pushed back, which ultimately impacted their drive, culminating in a missed field goal attempt by Wil Lutz. Instead of heading into halftime tied, the Broncos found themselves down by three points.