Buffalo Bills’ defensive mainstay Micah Hyde ends NFL career after playoff loss

Micah Hyde, a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills’ defence and a fan favourite since 2017, has officially announced his retirement from professional football.

The news was first reported by Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News, who tweeted: "This won't come as a big surprise, but had a chance to talk with Micah Hyde today in the Bills' locker room. He said that he's officially retiring and that his playing career is over."

Hyde, 33, joined the Bills after starting his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. His versatility and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations quickly earned him recognition as one of Buffalo’s most dependable defenders.

Over seven seasons with the team, Hyde started 95 games, recording 417 tackles, 16 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. His contributions earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2021.

The safety became a free agent after the 2023 season and initially left his future open-ended. During the offseason, he expressed interest in a possible return for another campaign.

The Bills’ general manager, Brandon Beane, also hinted at the possibility of re-signing Hyde. In December, Buffalo brought him back to their practice squad, offering him one last stint with the team.

Hyde was instrumental in the Bills’ playoff success in recent years, contributing to the team’s near-miss runs to the Super Bowl. Known for his leadership and reliability, his departure signals the end of an era for Buffalo’s defence.

As Hyde steps away from the field, his impact on the Bills’ organisation and its fans will remain a lasting legacy.