From college walk-on to NFL record-breaker for the Buffalo Bills
In short: Dawson Knox did not enter the NFL as a blue-chip prospect. After joining the University of Mississippi as a walk-on fullback in 2015, he fought his way through the ranks to become a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills offense and a franchise record holder.
Knox's ascent began at the University of Mississippi, where he played from 2015 until 2018. During his collegiate tenure, he recorded 39 receptions for 605 yards before deciding to forgo his senior year to enter the 2019 NFL draft. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round with the 96th overall pick.
Since joining Buffalo, Knox has evolved from an up-and-down rookie into a high-value asset. His 2021 season saw him set a franchise record for most receiving touchdowns in a single season by a tight end, finishing that year with seven scores. This performance helped secure him a four-year, $53.6 million extension in September 2022, positioning him among the league's top-paid players at his position.
His longevity and impact are evidenced by his ability to break long-standing team records. By the 2025 season, Knox surpassed Pete Metzelaars's record for the most career touchdowns by a tight end for the Bills. His career has been marked by resilience, overcoming injuries such as wrist surgery in late 2023 and a stint on the COVID-19 reserve list in October 2020.
Beyond the field, Knox has maintained a presence in popular culture, making a cameo in the 2025 Hallmark Channel film Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. He is also a supporter of P.U.N.T. The Pediatric Cancer Collaborative was established by Brian Moorman, a former Bills punter.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dawson Knox
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