Jerry Hughes Opens Up on Leaving Buffalo: “13 Seconds Told Me Everything”
It’s been years since the Buffalo Bills’ infamous playoff collapse against the Kansas City Chiefs, but for former defensive end Jerry Hughes, that moment still looms large-and it played a major role in his decision to leave the team.
Hughes, who spent nine seasons anchoring Buffalo’s defense and was a respected veteran presence in the locker room, recently addressed why he chose to move on from the franchise in 2022. His answer?
The “13 seconds” game. That gut-wrenching 2021 AFC Divisional Round loss in Kansas City wasn’t just painful for fans-it was a turning point for players, too.
“I Knew He Wasn’t Serious”
In a candid social media exchange with a fan, Hughes didn’t sugarcoat his opinion of head coach Sean McDermott’s late-game management in that now-infamous finish.
“Once Sean screwed up the 13 seconds with his calls-prevent defense on every single play-I knew he wasn’t serious,” Hughes wrote.
That’s a strong statement from a player who was never known for stirring controversy. Hughes wasn’t taking a shot at effort or preparation.
He was questioning leadership. Specifically, the kind of leadership that’s supposed to shine brightest when the stakes are highest.
And for Hughes, what he saw in those final 13 seconds of regulation told him all he needed to know.
A Collapse That Still Haunts
Let’s revisit what happened. After Josh Allen led a brilliant touchdown drive to give Buffalo a 36-33 lead with just 13 seconds left, the Bills opted for soft coverage on the ensuing kickoff and defensive plays.
The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, took full advantage-completing two quick passes to get into field-goal range. Harrison Butker drilled the tying kick, and Kansas City won the coin toss in overtime.
The Chiefs never looked back, marching down the field and ending Buffalo’s season without Allen ever touching the ball again.
That loss didn’t just sting-it stuck. For many, it marked the peak of Buffalo’s Super Bowl window and the beginning of a long, frustrating stretch of postseason shortcomings. And now, Hughes has added a veteran player’s voice to the chorus of frustration that’s lingered ever since.
“That Coach Should Be Fired”
Hughes didn’t stop at questioning McDermott’s decision-making-he went further.
“If the coach can manage to lose a football game in 13 seconds after the QB put together phenomenal play after phenomenal play, that coach should be fired,” he said. “Seems like someone was on borrowed time.”
It’s a bold critique, especially coming from a player who was deeply respected inside that locker room. Hughes wasn’t some disgruntled role player-he was a cornerstone of Buffalo’s defensive resurgence and a key part of the team’s rise back to relevance.
And while fans have debated McDermott’s playoff record for years, hearing that kind of blunt assessment from a former team leader adds a new layer to the conversation.
A Defining Moment
Since that game, McDermott has remained under scrutiny for his postseason performances. The Bills have continued to field competitive teams, but the inability to close out big games has been a recurring theme. Hughes’ comments won’t be forgotten anytime soon, because they echo what many fans have felt but hadn’t heard directly from someone who lived it.
The “13 seconds” collapse isn’t just a painful memory-it’s become a defining moment in the modern era of Buffalo Bills football. And now, we know it wasn’t just fans who felt that way. Players did, too.
For Jerry Hughes, it was the moment the trust broke-and once that was gone, so was he.