Buffalo’s silent hero – he didn’t score a single point, but he was the one who paved the way for the Bills’ legendary 216-yard rushing performance, giving the entire NFL a chance to witness the long-lost classic run game once thought to be extinct.

Buffalo’s silent hero – he didn’t score a single point, but he was the one who paved the way for the Bills’ legendary 216-yard rushing performance, giving the entire NFL a chance to witness the long-lost classic run game once thought to be extinct.

Orchard Park, New York – November 1, 2025

While names like Josh Allen and James Cook dominate headlines every week, one man has quietly become the backbone of the Buffalo Bills’ offense — Reggie Gilliam, the fullback teammates affectionately call “The Hammer.”

Gilliam doesn’t crave attention or highlight reels. When asked if he’d rather score a touchdown or deliver a crushing block that frees Cook for one, he grinned.

“I’ll take the second one,” Gilliam said. “There’s nothing better than feeling James cut right off your hip and watching him disappear into the second level. That’s what makes me proud.”

Last week, Cook recorded a career-high 216 rushing yards against the Carolina Panthers, with more than half of them coming before contact — a testament to how dominant Buffalo’s blocking was, and how central Gilliam’s impact has become. While the crowd roared for Cook’s breakaway runs, Gilliam stood quietly near midfield, wiping his gloves and readying himself for the next collision.

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady praised him with visible respect:

“Reggie doesn’t need the ball, and he doesn’t need his name in the paper. He just does his one-eleventh of the job at the highest standard. When Reggie’s on the field, good things happen.”

Brady paused, then added with a smile:

“You’ll never hear Reggie complain. He doesn’t chase spotlight or stats — he just wants to help this team win. That’s what makes him special.”

This season, Buffalo has leaned heavily into “power football”, using more heavy formations with Gilliam and rookie Jackson Hawes — keeping defenses guessing between the run and the pass. Quarterback Josh Allen summed it up perfectly:

“Reggie’s our Swiss Army knife. He does everything — blocking, catching, special teams, whatever we need. He sacrifices for everyone. Without him, James Cook wouldn’t be having the season he’s having.”

Gilliam has already logged 112 offensive snaps this season — nearly matching last year’s total — and every one of them has left a mark on Buffalo’s new offensive identity.

“I play for my teammates’ touchdowns, not my own,” Gilliam said softly. “When they win, I win.”

And in a locker room filled with stars, Reggie Gilliam may just be the purest reflection of what it means to be a Buffalo Bill — humble, relentless, and built to fight for something bigger than himself.