Bills rookies are ready to experience Bills Mafia in full force
While some Bills players are taking the field for the 10th or 12th season on Sunday, a few Bills will be suiting up for their first NFL game.
Buffalo drafted nine rookies in the 2025 draft with six being on defense. A good portion of the group should suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Ravens. Two of those rookies are defensive tackles T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker.
As they get ready for their first game in Highmark Stadium, they're making sure to get lots of advice from the veterans.
"Don't overthink it," Sanders said of what the vets told him. "I know these are guys we probably watched growing up, but at the end of the day, they're guys on the other team. Just go out there and do what I do, make plays."
Henry is a player most rookies watched growing up. It'll be a tough task going up against one of the best running backs in the league, but Walker is focusing on what he will learn from the matchup.
"You get to really see the mind of a great running back, great quarterback," Walker said. "I know we got James Cook and Josh Allen, but we get to see Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson…Just like James Cook and Derek Henry. So, getting to see both worlds helps you in the long run."
The two rookies are also eager to see Bills Mafia under the lights.
"I want to see how Highmark stadium is going to be, how Bills Mafia is going to be," Walker said. "I've been hearing stories, hearing all that. I can't wait to see the first game, Sunday night football right here at home."
"These guys say it's one of the craziest places in the league, so I'm hoping to find that out," Sanders added.
Sanders and Walker understand there's a long road ahead as they learn and grow in their first NFL season, but they can't help but be proud of the work that's gotten them to this moment.
"Everything you done sacrificed, gave up on, everything you put your first foot forward for to get to this point in your life," Sanders said. "This is what it's all for, prime time games like this one coming up."