Buffalo, New York – After a dramatic 40-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers on October 26, Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins issued a public apology to Panthers defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson for provocative comments that sparked a heated confrontation after the game.

The incident unfolded just after the final whistle at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to eyewitnesses and footage captured by ESPN reporter Kimberley A. Martin, A’Shawn Robinson, visibly upset, approached former Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson, now with the Bills. Thompson, who played for Carolina from 2015 to 2024 before signing with Buffalo in June 2025, was celebrating the win with teammates. Robinson reportedly made bitter remarks about the lopsided loss to his former teammate, highlighting the scoreline and feelings of betrayal.

Crazy scene at the end of Bills-Panthers …

Talked to Dion Dawkins on the field, asked him why emotions were so high between him and A’Shawn Robinson.

Dawkins looked up at the scoreboard and said: “40-9.” Said he was trying to shake hands postgame and then … chaos

pic.twitter.com/O7A1Tf009O — Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) October 26, 2025

Dion Dawkins, overhearing the exchange, shouted “40-9” – the final score of the game, where the Bills dominated with 216 rushing yards from James Cook and two touchdowns by him. The remark appeared to ignite Robinson’s anger, who immediately confronted Dawkins, removing his helmet and getting in his face. The scuffle quickly escalated, with Dawkins throwing his own helmet toward Robinson before teammates from both sides intervened to separate them. No punches were thrown, but the chaotic scene drew significant attention from media and fans.

In a post on X (Twitter) on the evening of October 27, Dawkins expressed regret. “Yesterday was a great game for Bills Mafia, but I didn’t want it to end with bad vibes. I said things to A’Shawn that I shouldn’t have – he’s a talented guy who deserves respect. It was just post-game adrenaline, but there’s no place for that in football. Sorry to him and the Panthers, wishing them luck for the rest of the season. #RespectTheGame,” Dawkins wrote, accompanied by fist-bump and heart emojis.

Robinson has not publicly responded to the apology, but sources within the Panthers organization suggest he views the incident as “part of the game” and is focused on recovering from the loss – Carolina’s first home defeat this season, dropping their record to 4-4. NFL League analysts predict no major fines for either player due to the absence of overt violence, but the incident serves as a reminder of the emotional intensity in matchups with personal stakes.

With the win, the Bills improved to 5-2, solidifying their playoff contender status. Dawkins, a Bills mainstay since 2017, remains a cornerstone of their offensive line, but the lesson in restraint may linger as they prepare for their next game against the New York Jets. Fans are now wondering if “40-9” will become the season’s newest meme.