Dion Dawkins
BUFFALO BILLS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Lineman | Temple University | 9 |
Excellence on the Field
Dawkins has been a cornerstone player for the Buffalo Bills since being drafted in 2017. One of the longest-tenured Bills players, Dawkins, who ranked 42nd on the NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2025, has embodied the spirit of Buffalo as the starting left tackle for 130 out of 136 games he's played over the past nine years. Besides being one of the league's most elite offensive tackles and protecting 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen's blindside, Dawkins has also recorded two career touchdowns, becoming only the second Bills offensive lineman to catch two touchdowns in his career. Dion's success with the Bills has not gone unnoticed, as he has been named a Pro Bowler for four consecutive years. During his tenure, the Bills have captured five consecutive AFC East titles and reached the playoffs seven times. He is the driving voice behind the NFL's "Protector of the Year" Award, leaving a legacy by ensuring offensive linemen receive recognition for their contributions to the game. His advocacy for his fellow linemen exemplifies his leadership and commitment to elevating others, a hallmark of his character both on and off the field.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts This Year
"People are hurting. They're struggling to put food on the table. They're trying to stay alive. And Buffalo's been down and out as bad as anyone. But we play for this city, and we belong to this community. And we're going to keep on doing our part for it, y'all can bet on that," says Dawkins.
His efforts continue to make a significant impact across various areas, particularly in education, alleviating food scarcity, and celebrating young people who have overcome challenges related to their justice-involved pasts. In 2023, Dawkins "adopted" Buffalo Public School #131, where he continued regular visits this year to encourage and empower students. School #131 is a last-chance high school for young people in the juvenile justice system. Dawkins' commitment to workforce development continues through being a voice for the Northland Workforce Training Center and raising funds for its student services, including transportation assistance, books, and tools.
Dion's Dreamers supported multiple nonprofits this year, with a variety of missions. Some of these nonprofits include the Jon Diaz Community Center, FeedMore WNY, the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, the Jericho Road Community Health Center, and the Momma B Foundation, amongst several others. In June, more than 150 participants participated in the 5th Annual ShnowVille Charity Kickball Tournament in Rahway, where Dion awarded three Rahway High School seniors with the Inaugural SHNOW Scholarships for Athletic Excellence and Special Education. He also provided new uniforms to the football program. In July, Dion's Dreamers and local nonprofit Trusted Gives hosted their 5th Annual 716 Day event. Over 60 vendors participated, sharing resources ranging from health and human services to community programs. The Kids Zone featured a giveaway of 50 bikes and helmets, bounce houses, and a tie-dye t-shirt station. Dion also hosted his 5th Annual Charity Cornhole tournament this September. Dion piloted a unique program in which K-8 schools applied to win one of four "Shnow Day" experiences. Nearly 450 classrooms in WNY applied, many citing Dawkins' community impact as a role model for students. Some of these Shnow Days included bringing the Charter School for Applied Technology to the Aquarium of Niagara and giving Dunkirk Elementary a tour of Highmark Stadium. Dion's Shnow Day Series reached students from all over Western New York, giving them lifelong memories with Dion.
Dedication & Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
"My foundation will live in Buffalo 'til I die, and so Buffalo has created me. It's birthed me. It's made me who I am, and I will forever give my heart and my soul to this community — that's a promise. I will, regardless of what happens in my career," said Dawkins.
In November, Dawkins received a "Key to the City" of Buffalo in recognition of his outstanding work off the field. Since the early 1980s, fewer than ten people have received this distinction; a rare honor reserved for those whose leadership, vision, and service reflect the very best of our city and its people. This honor highlights the significant impact he continues to make in his involvement with the Buffalo Bills. Although Dawkins' passion for giving back began before he arrived in Buffalo, he participated in several community events during his rookie season as a member of the Bills' Rookie Club. In 2020, he founded Dion's Dreamers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing hunger, lifelong education, workforce development, and changing the culture and future outcomes for youth. His efforts extend to his hometown of Rahway, New Jersey, and to Philadelphia, where he played at Temple University. While his financial contributions have been considerable, it is his unwavering dedication to being present and offering help wherever it is needed that has solidified his reputation as one of Buffalo's most impactful figures. Dawkins stepped up when Buffalo needed him most following the mass shooting at Tops Family Markets in 2022. This tragedy, in which a shooter targeted a predominantly Black neighborhood in Buffalo and killed ten people, highlighted the need for community support and leadership. Dion's Dreamers redirected its focus to providing essential resources and opportunities for Buffalo's East Side. To raise funds and awareness, he organized events to support the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund and the Buffalo Together Community Response Fund.
Over the past five years, he hosted 716 Day, which has become a platform for fostering community unity. At the first event, attendees said it was the first time they had felt safe in public since the shooting, and it has since become a hallmark event for the community. Through other community initiatives since the 5/14 mass shooting, Dawkins has helped feed over 20,000 people. He also became involved with Erie County Juvenile Court's Youth Empowerment Program, which celebrates juvenile anti-recidivism by providing youth with resources for successful reintegration. Dawkins encourages his fellow teammates to join him in these celebrations, emphasizing his dedication to mentoring the next generation of Bills players, showing them the importance of being in the community. In November, he will once again celebrate 40 youth who have graduated from the program.
Positive Character & a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Dawkins — animated, affable, selfless — is the soul of Buffalo and its beloved Bills. "I try to bring joy to everybody," he says often. Much like Bills Mafia, he is authentically himself at every moment. For four consecutive years, Dawkins' teammates have honored him by voting him as the team's nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. If selected as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Dawkins would become the first Buffalo Bill in the club's history to earn this honor.
Dawkins' off -field impact is unparalleled. His weekly community efforts go beyond the traditional "Community Tuesday" and are often several days of the week with multiple events in a day. His presence, both in physical stature and his heart, is unavoidable. Since starting Dion's Dreamers, Dawkins has spent countless hours every single week physically showing up for Buffalo. The "Shnowman" gives selflessly as a mentor, father figure, and trusted friend. He has never shied away from speaking up for those whose voices would otherwise go unheard, whether because of their age, race, physical or intellectual ability, or involvement with the justice system. Simply put, Dion Dawkins represents a symbol of hope to members of the Western New York community. To Buffalonians and Bills fans alike, Dion embodies the traditions, values and compassion of Buffalo. In "the City of Good Neighbors," there is no better neighbor to be awarded Buffalo's first ever Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year than Dion Dawkins.
