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Dion Dawkins enters year 10 at left tackle for the Buffalo Bills, but more importantly, his ninth campaign protecting quarterback Josh Allen’s blind spot.
But Dawkins’ job description isn’t your quintessential left tackle “block-everything-that-tries-to-enter-your-pocket” situation. Allen, the 2025 NFL MVP, is the reason why.
Allen makes highlights every week with his ability to keep plays that should result in a sack alive and meander around the field, sometimes running from sideline to sideline just to get positive yardage.
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Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
It’s thankless most of the time, but Dawkins and his linemates are running around trying to help Allen at the same time. So how exactly is Dawkins doing heading into his ninth year with Allen as the man under center?
“People think that playing for Josh Allen is the best thing in the world — it’s f—ing stinking. Okay? It’s a total shame,” Dawkins told Pakinomist Digital at Fanatics Fest after driving through an off-road obstacle course outside the Javits Center in New York City as part of Polaris and Call of Duty’s activation for the fan event.
Obviously, Dawkins is being very sarcastic here, but that’s the type of relationship the two share. It’s more than just being teammates – it’s a brotherhood.
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Dawkins, who is two years older, has the role of protective big brother, which also means cracking jokes.
“Josh is here and there and you always have to know where he is,” he continued. “But the best thing about having Josh when you’ve played with him for so long — not that I gave birth to Josh. But I gave birth to Josh. I was in there with Tyrod Taylor and then Josh comes here. So I know how Josh moves and how he flows, it’s been great.
“It’s a gift and a curse because you don’t know where he is. But what I always say, it’s more of a gift than a curse. Sometimes you don’t know where he is, but Josh will get you out of trouble more than we get him in, and I appreciate him.”
Josh Allen and Dion Dawkins visit TNF on Prime after an NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY on September 18, 2025. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The entire city of Buffalo appreciates the hustle, determination and at times acrobatics that Allen needs to do the things he is known for on the football field.
At the same time, Dawkins is one of the best in the NFL at what he does, which makes Allen’s life a lot easier. Dawkins earned his fifth straight Pro Bowl last year, though he’ll tell you like the rest of the Bills’ roster: they’re not satisfied until the Vince Lombardi Trophy is in hand.
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To make that happen, the combination of Allen and Dawkins is paramount—even if the latter can’t handle the extra cardio the former puts him through.
On the road with Polaris and Call of Duty
Across the street from the Javits Center, Polaris, the American automaker, and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 created an off-road obstacle course that Fanatics Fest attendees could navigate throughout the four-day event this weekend.
Dawkins got a first taste of the experience in a Polaris RZR, which will be featured in the latest installment of the video game series when it comes out in October.
Dawkins, a car lover himself, loved every second of the obstacle course, even letting out a scream when the driver floored it over a hill at the end.
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“If there was just a longer stretch, we would have really flown,” Dawkins said, laughing.
The experience was one that left Dawkins itching to get into his own vehicle.
“I already told them I need three of these because we could all be in the woods in Buffalo on Big Indian going crazy,” Dawkins said. “It holds and grips so well – no problem. I just want to see it through the puddles, ponds and when it gets really wet and really soft on the ground below. Click the four wheel drive and get that thing going.”
