Buffalo Bills, LeSean McCoy react to his 10,000 career rushing yards

All year long, Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy has expressed his interest in surpassing 10,000 career rushing yards, and during Sunday’s season-saving, 24-16 win over the Miami Dolphins, McCoy etched his name into the NFL record books.

The elusive McCoy rushed 20 times for 50 yards and became just the 30th player in league history with 10,000 or more rushing yards, scoring a rushing touchdown, and adding a receiving touchdown to keep the Bills’ (8-6) playoff hopes alive.

"The lineman constantly tell me about it, 'let's get 10K, 10K chase," said McCoy. "There were times I kind of forgot about it and they remind me. You know, they wanted it as bad as I did, maybe more, and that shows you the type of team that we have."

McCoy now has 10,011 rushing yards, 29th-best in league history. In nearly three full seasons with the Bills, McCoy leads the league with 3,219 rushing yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He has rushed for 1,057 yards in 2017, his sixth time with 1,000+ rushing yards in nine seasons.

"It’s still cool to share that with Shady and the guys on this offensive line,” starting left guard Richie Incognito said. “What we’ve been doing here for the last three years is really special running the football. The offensive line and Shady really work well together and we’re excited we can share in this with him ... 10K on the wrist baby. 10K on the wrist. That’s what he (LeSean) keeps promising us. I need something. A big-faced Rolly (Rolex) or something."

The New Era Field crowd gave Shady a rousing ovation after eclipsing 10,000 career rushing yards...then held their collective breathe after McCoy exited the game with an injury. McCoy sat out one play, then returned and helped put the Bills ahead 14-6 on a 16-yard touchdown reception with 6:05 remaining in the second quarter.

"That was pretty special. He’s a special runner. I don’t think there’s too many like him,” said fullback Patrick DiMarco. “For him to achieve 10,000 yards shows how hard he’s worked and the grind. He’s one of the hardest workers on this team. Really rewarding to be a part of it. I’m just honored to be able to block for a guy like that."

McCoy opened the scoring with a 4-yard run to cap an impressive 10-play, 81-yard scoring drive by Buffalo on the team’s opening possession, the Bills first touchdown to open a game since a 16-12 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 20, 2016.

Shady wasn’t done with the Dolphins. Leading 7-6 after the Dolphins put together a 14-play, 71-yard drive resulting in a field goal, McCoy broke off a 13-yard run off right tackle, then surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards with a nifty 14-yard scamper off right guard.

“Shady is a special talent, of course. For him to get 10K at such a young age is definitely impressive as well, too,” said starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor. “The team, we want to see guys achieve of corse their personal goals, but as well as the team goals. We were trying to get him that last week. We were short. Guys love when guys make history. It’s big for him. I know he’s excited. I’m excite for him but as a team we are more excited about the win. He would tell you the same.”

"Oh, it was an unbelievable achievement. Unbelievable,” added first-year head coach Sean McDermott. “I’m just fortunate, I feel myself, to be a part of it and to have seen, to have watched it take place. That’s one for the ages right there, that type of accomplishment. Hopefully everyone got their money’s worth today with that. That was good to see."

With his two-touchdown performance, McCoy has another record to boast of: the most touchdowns in the league since 2010.

McCoy has amassed 77 touchdowns over the last eight seasons, one more than New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Bills travel to Foxboro for a huge 1 p.m. showdown with the Patriots Sunday afternoon.