Buffalo, NY – December 6, 2025. One of the most respected veterans to pass through the Buffalo Bills’ locker room in recent years is beginning a new chapter of service — this time, far away from stadium lights and playbooks.

He was never the loudest voice or the biggest name on the roster, but for one season in Buffalo, he became everything the fan base loves: tough, reliable, and relentlessly unselfish. Now, the former undrafted safety who carved out a nine-year NFL career has traded in his helmet for a badge.

Rafael Bush, who played for five different NFL teams and spent his final impactful season in Orchard Park, has officially retired from football and joined the Buffalo Police Department.

“Wearing red, white, and blue taught me pride, resilience, and what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself. Buffalo has given me everything, and now I wear the police badge to protect its people and this city with everything I’ve got,”

Bush said.

Bush appeared in 15 games for the Bills in 2018, starting seven, and finished seventh on the team with 44 tackles while thriving in sub-packages. His versatility — rotating between safety roles and special-teams duties — made him a valuable chess piece in Sean McDermott’s defense.

He retired unexpectedly in 2019 at age 32, just one week before training camp, ending a career defined by resilience. As an undrafted player who fought for every roster spot,

Bush became a respected journeyman across multiple NFL locker rooms.

Now, he begins a second career built on similar values: discipline, responsibility, and service. Bills teammates say the same steady leadership that made him dependable on Sundays will make him a powerful presence in the community.

For Bills fans, his time in Buffalo may have been brief, but the respect he earned has lasted far longer. Today, Rafael Bush continues to represent the city with the same grit and heart he once showed on the field — only now, he’s protecting Buffalo in a different uniform.