Dutch Fork grad advances in NFL playoffs

By Thomas Grant Jr.

From practicing on an Irmo field under the watchful eye of grandmother Rebecca Lusk to kicking in state championship games for Dutch Fork head coach Tom Knotts, Tyler Bass has remained focused on his craft.

So after signing a four-year extension last year worth $21 million and $12.3 guaranteed with the Buffalo Bills, the Georgia Southern graduate made it clear he’s not slowing down anytime soon.

“I’m still going to grind,” Bass said during a conference call Friday. “It’s just a little bit relieving, you know, you have a little bit of security. But at the end of the day, you still got to work. That’s what got me here> That’s what I’m going to keep doing as best I can.”

Bass was back in action Monday as Buffalo faced Pittsburgh in the opening round of the AFC playoffs. The game was postponed from last Saturday due to wintry temperatures.

The Bills came away with the 31-17 win over the Steelers to advance to the Divisional round to face defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City. Bass made all four of his PATs and connected on a 45-yard field goal in making one of his three attempts in the freezing conditions.

Since getting drafted in the sixth round in 2020, Bass has started every game for Buffalo. In September, Bass earned his third AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor after making seven field goals and converting all 11 PAT attempts.

For his career, Bass has made 85 percent of his field goals, is 32-32 in field goals made between 20 and 29 yards, has made 205-210 PATs, and converted five game-winning field goals.

Photo courtesy of NFL