No member of the Buffalo Bills had a more-difficult end to the season than kicker Tyler Bass.
With less than two minutes to go in the Bills' Divisional Round game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bass lined up for a 44-yard field goal that would've tied the game at 27. Bass' kick looked good at first, but took a sharp hook to the right and wound up being nowhere near the uprights. The Chiefs would then wind down the clock to win 27-24, breaking the hearts of Bills Mafia once again.
To make matters worse, the Chiefs would go on to win their second-straight Super Bowl and third in five years. If Bass made the kick, and a couple more bounces went the Bills' way, maybe they could've been the ones lifting the Lombardi Trophy instead.
Weeks later, it seems that Bass has come to terms with the way the season ended. After previously deactivating his social media accounts, Bass returned with a reflective statement on Thursday.
"The toughest moments teach you the best lessons in life. The love and support shown from my teammates, Bills Mafia, and @10livesclub is something I will never forget and always cherish! Grateful for another season — see you for year 5! Go Bills Always."
Initially, Bass became the target of many Bills' fans ire after the miss. Soon after, though, more-compassionate fans began to rally around the fourth-year kicker. Both Bills and Chiefs fans donated to Ten Lives Club, a non-profit cat rescue that Bass partners with, and a few days later, a local artist built a snow sculpture of Bass and quarterback Josh Allen sharing a moment after the game.
Bass may have had a low moment in his last game, but on the bright side, it will only motivate him to be better in 2024.
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