Some player-coach relationships go far beyond football, and Matt Rhule’s bond with Buffalo Bills star Dion Dawkins is a perfect example. The Nebraska head coach recently shared heartfelt stories about the Pro Bowl left tackle, revealing how Dawkins not only became one of his favorite players but also helped shape him into a better coach. From late-night FaceTime calls to unforgettable recruiting moments, Rhule’s memories show why Dawkins remains one of the most important players of his coaching career.
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Matt Rhule Calls Dion Dawkins One of His Favorite Players
Speaking on Pardon My Take on August 3, Matt Rhule didn’t hesitate when discussing Dion Dawkins’ impact on his life and career.
“He’s probably one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached,” Rhule said while laughing about Dawkins’ habit of calling him in the middle of the night. The Buffalo Bills left tackle even keeps changing the name attached to his contact, leaving Rhule to wonder who’s calling before realizing it’s “Shnow” again.
But the laughs quickly turned into admiration.
Rhule explained that Dawkins was never afraid to challenge him. Whenever the coach became too intense on the sidelines or in practice, Dawkins would remind him with a simple message: “Coach, people skills, man, people skills.”
Sometimes the best assistant coach isn’t wearing a headset—he’s wearing shoulder pads.
Rhule credited those honest conversations for helping him grow, saying every coach needs players who are confident enough to speak the truth rather than simply nodding along.
The Recruiting Story That Changed Everything
Long before Dawkins became a Pro Bowl tackle for the Buffalo Bills, he was a lightly recruited prospect with plenty of athletic upside.
At the time, Dawkins had committed to Cincinnati and was preparing to attend Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia. Rhule, who had just taken over as Temple’s head coach, spotted something special while studying his game film.
Determined not to miss out, Rhule drove to Dawkins’ home on a Friday night.
His first question wasn’t about football.
Instead, he asked, “Can you dunk a basketball?”
Dawkins’ uncle immediately offered to head to a nearby park for proof. Rhule wisely declined, avoiding any possible NCAA recruiting violation, before making a straightforward offer.
“If you’re at Temple by 1:00 PM this Sunday, you have a scholarship.”
No fancy presentations. No endless sales pitch. Just confidence—and it worked.
Dawkins Helped Build Temple Into a Winner
Dawkins eventually flipped his commitment from Cincinnati and signed with Temple in January 2013, becoming one of the foundation pieces of Rhule’s rebuilding project.
The offensive tackle anchored a dominant offensive line that helped Temple record back-to-back 10-win seasons, a remarkable achievement for a program that had managed just one 10-win campaign over the previous 74 years.
His individual success followed as well.
Dawkins earned First-Team All-AAC honors in 2016 and became a model of the “Temple Tuff” culture Rhule wanted throughout the program. Coaches often pointed to his work ethic and leadership as examples younger players should follow.
From Temple Star to Buffalo Bills Leader
The Buffalo Bills selected Dawkins in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he has since developed into one of the NFL’s most reliable left tackles.
Now entering his 10th NFL season, Dawkins remains the starting left tackle for Buffalo as the team opens training camp with another playoff run in its sights.
Despite the years that have passed, Rhule’s admiration hasn’t faded. He praised Dawkins as an “overcomer” and said he’s proud of everything the veteran lineman has accomplished both on and off the field.
Matt Rhule’s tribute to Dion Dawkins goes beyond football highlights or draft success. It’s the story of a player who challenged his coach, strengthened a college program, and grew into one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen. As Dawkins prepares for another season protecting the Buffalo Bills’ offense, Rhule’s reflections serve as a reminder that the greatest impact of a player isn’t always measured in wins or awards—sometimes it’s in helping a coach become better, too. And judging by those 1 a.m. FaceTime calls, that friendship is still going strong.
FAQ:
Why does Matt Rhule call Dion Dawkins one of his favorite players?
Matt Rhule considers Dion Dawkins one of his favorite players because of his leadership, honesty, and impact both on and off the field. Rhule said Dawkins helped him become a better coach by openly challenging him and reminding him about the importance of connecting with players.
How did Matt Rhule recruit Dion Dawkins to Temple?
Matt Rhule discovered Dion Dawkins while searching for underrated talent after becoming Temple’s head coach. Rhule visited Dawkins’ home and offered him a scholarship after asking about his athletic ability, helping convince him to flip his commitment from Cincinnati to Temple.
What team does Dion Dawkins play for in the NFL?
Dion Dawkins is the starting left tackle for the Buffalo Bills. The team selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he has become one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen.
What position does Dion Dawkins play?
Dion Dawkins plays offensive tackle, specifically left tackle. His main responsibility is protecting the quarterback’s blind side and helping create running lanes for the offense.
What did Dion Dawkins accomplish at Temple?
During his time with the Temple Owls, Dion Dawkins helped the program reach back-to-back 10-win seasons. He was also named First-Team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2016.
When was Dion Dawkins drafted into the NFL?
The Buffalo Bills selected Dion Dawkins in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has since developed into a key player on Buffalo’s offensive line.
What was special about Matt Rhule’s recruiting story with Dion Dawkins?
The recruiting story became memorable because Rhule trusted Dawkins’ athletic potential despite him being an under-the-radar prospect. Their meeting showed Rhule’s ability to identify talent before it became nationally recognized.
How did Dion Dawkins influence Matt Rhule as a coach?
Dion Dawkins influenced Matt Rhule by encouraging him to build stronger relationships with players. Rhule believes having players who are comfortable giving honest feedback is important for successful coaching.
Is Dion Dawkins still playing for the Buffalo Bills?
Yes. Dion Dawkins remains the starting left tackle for the Buffalo Bills and continues to be an important part of the team’s offensive line.
What makes Dion Dawkins a special NFL player?
Dion Dawkins is known for his consistency, leadership, toughness, and ability to protect the quarterback. His journey from a lightly recruited prospect to a Pro Bowl offensive tackle has made him one of football’s inspiring success stories.
Also Read: Why Did Ryan Day Admit He Was Wrong Before Ohio State’s 2026 Season?
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