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Bills RB Nyheim Hines returns two kickoffs for TDs vs. Patriots in Week 18

The Bills return to football in style.

Nyheim Hines #20 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on January 02, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Update: Hines returned another kick for a touchdown, but this one was for 101 yards. He becomes just the 11th player in history to return two kickoffs for a touchdown in the same game.


The Buffalo Bills are facing the New England Patriots in Week 18. Last week, the Bills game was canceled after a hit to Damar Hamlin caused a cardiac arrest and hospitalized the player. Buffalo was expected to be playing this game amped up after Hamlin showed great strides in his recovery. The team wasted little time showing their support for Hamlin by returning the opening kick 96 yards.

Needless to say, Hamlin, who is watching the game from his hospital bed, is excited for his team.

Hines takes the kick and starts running down the middle of the field. The backup running back pops the ball to the outside and takes off down the sideline. He outruns the rest of the Patriots team and vaults into the stands celebrating. Hines is joined by a few teammates as the stadium erupts in celebration. While it is only the opening kickoff, you can tell this team is playing for Hamlin and working through all the emotions they have felt over the last week.

With a win, the Bills will have the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff picture. This would also cause the Patriots to need some help to secure the No. 7 seed.