Bills K Tyler Bass Keeping 'Walk-On' Mentality Despite New Extension

The fact that Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has gotten to this point after walking on at Georgia Southern of all places is the ultimate story of inspiration.

Some new life-changing money isn't altering the underdog approach from Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass. He's keeping true to what's allowed him to ride this unprecedented journey to become one of the best kickers in the NFL.

“For me, I was a walk-on in college, and that mentality of what I did to earn that, I’m never going to forget that," he said Thursday. "I’m still going to grind. I think I’m going to grind even more now."

Bass signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $21 million with $12.3 guaranteed. Receiving this kind of contract could eventually be in the realm of possibility for a walk-on kicker from a top collegiate program like Ohio State, Alabama or Georgia.

But the fact Bass has gotten to this point after walking on at Georgia Southern of all places is the ultimate story of inspiration. He's now the fourth-highest paid kicker in terms of contract AAV.

“They drafted me and they were a team to take a chance on the kid from Georgia Southern," he said. "For me, that meant a lot to me. Not only that, I love the culture here. I love the people here. The relationships I have here I’m gonna have for the rest of my life. I know it’s challenging, but I’m excited for the challenge.”

During recent successful seasons that have ended in postseason disappointment, the Bills have obviously had areas of improvement to address since the end result wasn't a Super Bowl win.

But the kicking game hasn't exactly been one of them, a luxury many teams in the NFL would love to have. Bass came up clutch with three game-winning kicks this past season, and proved he's deserving of a contract extension. He was set to enter the final year of his deal in 2023.

In an elite offense that still had its fair share of inconsistencies in 2022, Bass helped make up for it on special teams by going 27 of 31 on field goals (87.1 percent) and 48 of 50 on extra points. Considering the often horrible weather conditions in Buffalo, these numbers are certainly impressive in a league that sees kickers struggle with extra points.

His extension now increases the expectations, as topping these numbers certainly won't be easy. But new money now means newfound motivation

"At the end of the day, you still got to work," he said. "That’s what got me here, that’s what I’m going to keep doing as best I can."

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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