When Kyle Williams announced his retirement to Sean McDermott on Christmas Eve, the head coach for the Buffalo Bills stated that it was probably one of the worst Christmas presents a man could receive. For 13 seasons, Williams has been the heart and soul of his team and players, fans and coaches alike have all fallen in love with the man that he is, both on and off the field.
On Sunday against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field, the Bills made sure to send off Williams in style. They allowed him to come out of the tunnel last at the start of the game, where he was greeted by his family and teammates on the field.
One last time.#ThankYouKyle #GoBills pic.twitter.com/qjRPRYqEiH
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) December 30, 2018
Coach McDermott then used Williams as a decoy on offense as QB Josh Allen scored a touchdown on the quarterback sneak.
With Kyle Williams in on offense, you knew we were going to score. #ThankYouKyle #GoBills pic.twitter.com/Jw2VjjFMJC
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) December 30, 2018
Kyle would play on offense once more late in the game, this time catching a pass from Josh Allen for nine yards. It was the first reception of his career and LOOK AT THAT STIFF ARM!
Kyle Williams just caught a pass.
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) December 30, 2018
KYLE WILLIAMS JUST CAUGHT A PASS!#ThankYouKyle #GoBills pic.twitter.com/aViBF0sG8M
Finally, on the last defensive series with a little over a minute left in the game, McDermott called a timeout to bring Williams off of the field to a standing ovation from everyone in the stadium.
Kyle Williams comes off the field for the final time to a standing ovation in Buffalo. They love him there. Cool moment. pic.twitter.com/XCgzKS7Dvb
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 30, 2018
At the end of the game, fans began to fill in the first few rows in the stadium so they could take part in sending their beloved defensive tackle off into retirement. Kyle responded by taking a lap around the entire field so that he could show his appreciation for them.
#Bills fans packing the first few rows, ringed around the field, and Kyle Williams is taking a victory lap, acknowledging all of them. pic.twitter.com/6A1dBfJ8RI
— Jason Wolf (@JasonWolf) December 30, 2018
Amazing. Kyle Williams walking around the wall of New Era Field shaking fans’ hands as he walks off for one final time. Note the number of media and cameras as I zoom out at the end. pic.twitter.com/ikOPJSS4KO
— Sal Capaccio (@SalSports) December 30, 2018
Kyle Williams, doing a Cal Ripken lap around New Era Field after his final game. pic.twitter.com/447sL5hs4s
— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) December 30, 2018
Kyle’s family was waiting for him on the field after the game and he was met with tons of hugs from his kids, who are surely proud of their dad’s accomplishments.
Kyle Williams meets with family after final game of career. #Bills #ThankYouKyle pic.twitter.com/Fzzm7tpcVH
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) December 30, 2018
Owner Terry Pegula made sure to find Williams in the crowd to offer some kind words.
#Bills owner Terry Pegula and Kyle Williams share a moment after the game on the field pic.twitter.com/MFlFM8FOIk
— Josh Reed (@4JoshReed) December 30, 2018
Rookie Harrison Phillips, often compared to Williams in many ways, was seen in tears as he watched the veteran being celebrated by fans and players.
Harrison Phillips, standing under the goalpost, crying and clapping for his friend Kyle Williams pic.twitter.com/EK4NgI0Zc7
— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) December 30, 2018
Finally, Williams broke the post-game huddle for the very last time. Once again, he reiterated that “it’s all about the team” and continued to exemplify the type of player that everyone should want on their team.
Cool moment shared by Mike Love on Instagram. Kyle Williams breaks the post-game huddle one last time stating, “it’s all about team.” #Bills pic.twitter.com/pTWNKbwscL
— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) December 30, 2018
After 13 seasons of giving Bills fans your all, the only thing left to say is “Thank you, Kyle.”