Dion Dawkins
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Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins kept it real when discussing being featured on "Hard Knocks"
The Buffalo Bills have a lot of attention on them during training camp. Not only are they bearing the weight of Super Bowl expectations ahead of the 2025 campaign after just missing out on the Big Game again last season, but they also have the “Hard Knocks” crew following them around ahead of the start of the year.
For years, “Hard Knocks” has been providing fans with an inside look at how NFL teams and their players operate once the season rolls around. Some guys love it, while others hate it. With filming for the Bills’ season still ongoing, Pro Bowl offensive lineman Dion Dawkins opened up on his involvement in the show, and whether or not he’s a fan of “Hard Knocks.”
Dion Dawkins Makes His Thoughts on ‘Hard Knocks’ Extremely Clear
Buffalo selected Dawkins in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and they quickly turned to him as their starter at left tackle. Over time, Dawkins continued to improve, and it’s gotten to the point where he is one of the best blindside protectors in the league, giving superstar quarterback Josh Allen the peace of mind to roam the pocket as he pleases.
Over the past four seasons, Dawkins has taken his game to another level. During that stretch, he’s been a Pro Bowler each season, with his play continually getting better with each passing year. In March 2024, Dawkins signed a three-year, $60.5 million contract extension with the Bills that will keep him in town through the 2027 season.
Being an offensive lineman isn’t exactly a glamorous job, but Dawkins has found himself in the spotlight a bit more as one of the most popular players featured on “Hard Knocks” this season. Dawkins understands why some people don’t like having even more cameras in their faces as they prepare for the new campaign, but the former Temple Owls star revealed that he has loved being featured on the show.
“The good thing is, for a guy like Shnow, I absolutely love the camera,” Dawkins said in an interview with Ryan Gajewski of “The Hollywood Reporter.” “Hard Knocks, they have been doing a great job. They’re not like, ‘Boom, we’re in your face.’ They’re just very subtle. The people that are actually working the cameras are actually very nice, so it makes it a lot easier to work and then entertain.”
Dion Dawkins, Bills Looking to Finally Win Super Bowl in 2025
Dion Dawkins
GettyDion Dawkins scores touchdown vs. New England Patriots
While Dawkins is having a blast with “Hard Knocks,” at the end of the day, his number one job is still football. And on the field, the Bills face Super Bowl expectations yet again, even though they continue to come up just short. They have the reigning league MVP in Allen and a plethora of talent around him, so it’s not exactly hard to see why expectations are so high.
Per usual, Dawkins is going to play a big role in determining just how successful Buffalo ends up being. If he can take another step forward, great, but if he simply keeps producing at his Pro Bowl-caliber level, that will be enough for the Bills. It’s championship or bust for Buffalo, and hopes are high that the 2025 campaign will finally be the year they can get over the hump.