Hard Knocks - Season 20

The first episode of the season saw the Bills players moving into St. John Fischer University. They are one of only five teams still doing training camp at a school. The episode was largely focused on reigning MVP Josh Allen. We got a look at Dion Dawkins' favorite hobby, which is drifting. Fans also got to meet Maxwell Hairston, Buffalo's first-round pick, who is a speedy cornerback. He is getting mentored by the veteran Tre'Davious White, who is back with the Bills this season and vying to get his own ice cream flavor at a local spot. Hairston suffered a knee injury, but initial concern was that he had torn his ACL; however, his ligaments were intact, and he will only be sidelined for a few weeks. Allen took a tour of the new Bills stadium, which is currently under construction. The episode ended with the team's scrimmage, and the footage was set to the team's anthem, "Mr. Brightside."  

Fans went in-depth with second-year linebacker Joe Andreessen, who earned the nickname "Buffalo Joe" after growing up a Bills fan then earning a roster spot in 2024. James Cook's contract hold-in was covered, with shots of the running back sitting in meetings but not practicing. Fellow running back Ray Davis got more reps in his absence, including some unique emergency kicker duties. Additionally, some time was spent focusing on receiver K.J. Hamler as he seeks to make his first NFL roster since 2022. Hamler riding a scooter around camp was one of the most viral moments from the episode. Sean McDermott speaking about his past battle with skin cancer, and the head coach also calling former Bills coach Marv Levy for Levy's 100th birthday. Buffalo's quarterback room beyond Josh Allen is another theme, with an eye on the QB2 competition between Mitchell Tribusky and Mike White. "Hard Knocks" also revisited Damar Hamlin's 2023 cardiac arrest on the field and the safety's journey since that moment, including a CPR awareness event at this year's camp and a segment focused on Hamlin sharing his faith as he seeks to write a book. The episode wraps up with the Bills moving out from St. John Fischer University in anticipation of the preseason, then a segment breaking down their matchup against the Giants, a 34-25 loss that included a solid performance from running back Frank Gore Jr.