Bills' Dion Dawkins breaks down in tears after learning what Josh Allen did just seconds after heartbreaking loss vs. Broncos

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Bills' Dion Dawkins breaks down in tears after learning what Josh Allen did just seconds after heartbreaking loss vs. Broncos

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Zientek | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 4:12 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills' season is officially over after a heartbreaking defeat to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs. The main talking point after the contest was a missed call by the referees during a play in overtime that was ruled an interception, not a catch by wide receiver Brandin Cooks. While it didn't come down to one play, that play stands out as one of the worst calls in recent memory. With another heartbreaking defeat, emotions were high in the locker room.

Dion Dawkins kept it short and sweet after loss to the Broncos

Offensive lineman Dion Dawkins went viral after erupting in tears during his postgame comments with the media. It all started when he learned what quarterback Josh Allen had said to reporters after the game: "I let my teammates down tonight," Allen said.

Dawkins was opening up on what he told Allen after the defeat. This is a brotherhood, more than a football team.

"We love you, simply that. I hate to keep it short, but we love you. We're thankful for him," Dawkins said.

That's when Dawkins learned of Allen's comments. Dawkins provided a short but sweet comment afterward before abruptly ending the interview. Emotions were at an all-time high, and Dawkins wore it all on his sleeve. He's a true class act, and it's all love in the locker room, despite the loss.

"He didn't let us down," Dawkins said.

#Bills LT Dion Dawkins got emotional to being told Josh Allen said he let his team down

( @JonScottTV)

pic.twitter.com/5cuwljE1F3 https://t.co/CBUR1ffMEw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 18, 2026

Josh Allen did let the team down, in some areas

While Dawkins showed nothing but love for his quarterback, we need to be honest for a second. Allen did let the team down in some of the biggest moments. Having two interceptions and two lost fumbles doesn't set the team up to be successful, and was a big reason why the team lost.

However, Allen did do his magic and helped the team fight and claw their way back into the contest, forcing the game to go into overtime. It was the full Josh Allen experience, some moments of awe and wonder, and others where fans are left scratching their heads in disbelief.

"Just missed opportunities throughout the game, Allen said. “It’s been a long season, hate how it ended. It’s going to stick with me for a long time [ . . . ] Can’t win with five turnovers. I fumbled twice, threw two picks, you shoot yourself in the foot like that, you don’t deserve to win football games.”

That honestly is what makes Allen who he is. He'll own the lows just as quickly as he celebrates the highs, and that accountability is why his teammates rally around him the way Dawkins did in that moment.

The Bills didn't lose because of one call, one play, or even one player; they lost because football is unforgiving in January. But as painful as this ending was, the emotion in the locker room says everything about the foundation still in place.

The mistakes will sting all offseason, but the belief is No. 17 hasn't wavered for a second, and neither has the love from his teammates.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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