Dion Dawkins
BUFFALO BILLS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Lineman | Temple University | 7 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
Dion Dawkins played college football at Temple University where he started 41 of 44 career games and was named
First-Team All-American Athletic Conference. He was also named the Senior Bowl's top offensive lineman and the fourth best tackle of eligible draft prospects.
Dawkins is the Left Tackle for the Buffalo Bills and a two-time Pro Bowler. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Throughout his seven-year career with the Bills, Dawkins has started in over 100 games. Playing a key role on the offensive line, he has protected the blind-side of his quarterback at an elite level and has even shown off his pass catching ability with two career touchdown catches.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
When Dawkins is not at the facility or at home with his family, he takes every opportunity to give back.
Since the start of the 2023 season, Dawkins has represented his team at numerous Buffalo Bills community outreach events. He has engaged with youth and local organizations at the Play 60 Challenge Kick-off, Gatorade Unified Flag Football Clinic, CPR Education/AED Distribution, and the Huddle for Hunger Food Drive.
Dawkins also dedicates time to his foundation. He founded Dion's Dreamers in 2020 with the goal of providing mentorship and support to young men and women in underserved communities, as well as those in mental, financial, or physical hardship. The foundation also aims to increase awareness of the issues that directly affect these communities. Dion's Dreamers wasted no time giving back to the community in the off season. This past May, Dawkins hosted the second annual cornhole tournament at Woodlawn Beach, where over $20,000 was raised. Then, in July, Dion's Dreamers hosted a CommUNITY Day at MLK Park in East Buffalo. The event featured free meals, clothing, groceries,
and other resources benefiting 1,000 people. Dawkins' foundation has participated or donated to numerous other events including the Feeding America Food Drive, Build-A-Bike with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and much more.
Most recently, Dawkins visited East Community High School and donated $10,000 to FeedMore of WNY. A portion of that donation will help support the high school's food pantry, which is located in an identified food desert within Buffalo. In November, Dion's Dreamers hosted a Talent 'Shnow' showcasing the unique talents of Buffalo residents, organizations, and Bills players with all proceeds benefitting the foundation.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Dawkins supported Buffalo families and communities affected by the horrific mass shooting in May 2022. He grieved with the community through a heartfelt article he wrote for The Players' Tribune that praised the resilience of Buffalo. Dawkins surprised a young boy at his birthday party who lost his father in the shooting just days before. He also hosted a cornhole and kickball tournament to raise money for the victims' families. The proceeds exceeded $20,000 and were donated to the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund and the Buffalo Together Community Response Fund.
In the 2022 season, Dawkins hosted two teacher appreciation events and participated in the Huddle for Hunger health and wellness day for students in the East Buffalo community. Additionally, he is a member of the Buffalos Bills Player Community Leadership Committee, which distributes grants from the Buffalo Bills Team and Foundation Social Justice Fund to Buffalo community organizations.
Dawkins' commitment to making a difference also goes well beyond Buffalo. As a part of the NFL's 2022 Inspire Change Campaign, he hosted a roundtable discussion focused on the mass shooting in Buffalo, racial injustice, and how to prevent the tragedy from repeating itself. During the NFL's 2021 Inspire Change Campaign, Dawkins shared why it's important to address the criminal justice system and barriers to opportunity. During the spring and summer of 2022, he held three food drives in East Buffalo, Rahway, and Philadelphia.
Over the past seven years with the Bills, Dawkins has always signed up for community events. He actively participates in both NFL and organizational initiatives such as the Play 60 Challenge, Salute to Service Military and Veteran Appreciation, and Inspire Change Social Justice Awareness.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Dawkins is a devoted father, teammate, and role model in the Buffalo community and beyond. Through his countless efforts, Dawkins aims to utilize his platform to provide hope and resources to communities in need.
Over the past three years, Dion's Dreamers has hosted numerous events to connect and give back to underserved local communities. Each year, the foundation hosts free community events to distribute resources and bring together local businesses on July 16 in celebration of Buffalo's 716 Day. In just this year alone, Dawkins' foundation has participated or donated to numerous events including D'Youville University's United Healthcare's Food Farmacy Fest, the Annual Johnnie B. Wiley Backpack Giveaway, the Feeding America Food Drive, Build-A-Bike with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Harvest in University event.
Beyond his efforts with his foundation, Dawkins has fostered relationships with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). In 2021, he teamed up with BBBS to help kids in Western New York through Dion's Dreamers 'Touchdowns for Dreamers' Campaign. Over $25,000 was raised to benefit underprivileged youth. At the Pro Bowl, Dawkins also participated in an event with youth from BBBS, and in September, he participated in a build-a-bike event for children involved with BBBS.
Dawkins consistently puts his passion about mentoring youth into action. Most recently, he has built a relationship with The Academy School #131, an alternative option for young adults that have been expelled from their previous school. Dawkins continues to visit with the students to provide advice and returned for a Thanksgiving meal distribution event.
