Bills in Turmoil After Five Players Are Dismissed Following Disrespect During Military Memorial
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills organization was thrown into unprecedented turmoil this week after owner Terry Pegula made the extraordinary decision to dismiss five team members within a 24-hour span, following what the franchise described as a deeply inappropriate incident during a military memorial tribute.
According to multiple league sources, the incident occurred during a pre-event ceremony honoring National Guard member Andrew Wolfe, when several individuals allegedly behaved in a manner that was perceived as mocking and celebratory during the solemn tribute.
Within hours, Pegula acted.
“Anyone who disrespects the men and women who protect this country does not represent this organization,” Pegula said in a statement released late Tuesday. “There are moments where leadership requires absolute clarity. This was one of them.”
A Rare Act of Zero Tolerance
The dismissals—reported to include a mix of practice squad players and support personnel—represent one of the swiftest disciplinary actions in recent NFL memory. The league office confirmed that it is reviewing the circumstances but noted that the actions fell under team conduct authority.
Players around the league reacted with shock. Several Bills veterans privately described the mood inside the locker room as “stunned,” but also “sobering.”
A Franchise Built on Community
Buffalo is one of the NFL’s most military-connected markets, with long-standing ties to veterans’ organizations and memorial groups. For many fans, the incident has struck at the spiritual core of the franchise.
Outside Highmark Stadium, handmade signs appeared by Tuesday afternoon with messages reading: “Respect the Uniform” and “Honor Before Football.”
What Comes Next
The NFL is gathering additional information, though no league discipline has yet been announced. Pegula’s decision, however, has already sent a thunderclap through ownership circles.
One AFC executive summarized it bluntly:
“This was ownership saying some lines cannot be crossed—ever.”
