Buffalo, New York – November 9, 2025
The Buffalo Bills were without one of their emotional leaders during their Week 10 divisional showdown against the Miami Dolphins, as a key veteran defender missed the game after taking personal leave following a heartbreaking family incident.
“His absence played a major role in the Bills’ heartbreaking 13–30 loss to the Miami Dolphins. But for him, family will always come before any football game.”
According to team officials, the player’s uncle was critically injured in the
UPS MD-11 cargo plane crash that occurred earlier this week in Louisville, Kentucky. The plane, carrying over 38,000 gallons of fuel, burst into flames shortly after takeoff — killing at least 14 people and injuring several others.
That player was Shaq Thompson, the Bills’ 31-year-old linebacker, who left the team to be with his family in North Carolina after learning his uncle — “the man who raised me when my father couldn’t”
— was among those severely hurt in the explosion’s aftermath.
“He raised me when my father couldn’t — he’s my second dad. I know my team needs me, but right now, he needs me more. I’m grateful to the Bills for letting me stand by him when it matters most,”
Thompson said.
Head coach Sean McDermott expressed full support, stating, “Family always comes first. Shaq’s earned the right to take all the time he needs. We’ll be waiting for him when he’s ready.”
Bills players and fans have rallied around their veteran linebacker, flooding social media with the hashtag #PrayForShaq, sending prayers and encouragement to him and his family.
The loss dropped Buffalo to 5-4 on the season — but beyond the scoreboard, Sunday’s game served as a sobering reminder that even in football, some battles mean far more than points or playoffs.
