Tyler Bass is an accomplished American professional football placekicker currently making his mark in the National Football League (NFL) for the Buffalo Bills. Known for his powerful and precise kicking abilities, Bass has emerged as a reliable scoring threat for his team since being drafted. His career journey from a walk-on in college to a key NFL player highlights his dedication and skill in a highly specialized position. Bass has not only contributed significantly to his team’s performance but has also achieved several personal accolades and franchise records, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in professional football.
Tyler Bass Overview
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tyler Royce Bass |
| Profession | Professional American Football Placekicker |
| Team | Buffalo Bills (NFL) |
| Born | February 14, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old (as of a recent estimate) |
| Birthplace | Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 183 lbs (83 kg) |
| Education | Georgia Southern University (Marketing Major) |
| Parents | Ron and Kathy Bass |
| Siblings | Abby Bass (younger sister) |
| Marital Status | Undisclosed/Not publicly married |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million (as of a recent estimate) |
Early Life and Education of Tyler Bass
Tyler Royce Bass was born on February 14, 1997, in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.. Growing up in Irmo, South Carolina, he attended Dutch Fork High School. During his high school years, Bass participated in both football and soccer, showcasing an early aptitude for kicking. He credits his grandmother with encouraging him to try out for the football team, recognizing the strength of his leg from his soccer background.
Bass quickly distinguished himself as a talented kicker, earning the prestigious Chris Sailer Award for High School Kicker of the Year in his senior season. His high school career statistics were impressive, converting 239 of 249 extra point attempts (95.9%) and 28 of 33 field goal attempts.
Following a successful high school career, Bass committed to Georgia Southern University on January 31, 2015. He redshirted his true freshman year in 2015-16. During his collegiate tenure with the Georgia Southern Eagles from 2015 to 2019, Bass continued to hone his skills. He majored in Marketing and was a consistent academic performer, making the Dean’s List and Honor Roll multiple times.
Bass’s college football career saw significant improvement, particularly in his redshirt junior and senior seasons. He was a three-time member of the All-Sun Belt Conference teams, earning First-team honors in 2018 and Second-team honors in 2017 and 2019. In his redshirt junior season, he made 19 of 21 field goal attempts and was perfect on 45 extra point attempts. His performance earned him recognition as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2018. Notably, during his final game at Georgia Southern, he began the practice of wearing eye black under only one eye, a gesture he adopted as a tribute to his grandmother. He also participated in the 2020 Senior Bowl, converting two field goals and all four extra point attempts.
Tyler Bass’s Career
Tyler Bass embarked on his professional football journey when he was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round, 188th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of his NFL career, which has seen him become a vital component of the Bills’ special teams.
Rookie Season and Breakthrough
After being drafted, Bass signed a four-year, $3.475 million contract with the Bills on May 7, 2020. He quickly gained national attention through practice videos showcasing his exceptional kicking strength, including making a 50-yard field goal without a step and a 60-yard field goal with only one step. During a shortened training camp due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bass successfully outcompeted veteran kicker Stephen Hauschka for the starting position, with Hauschka being released in August 2020.
Bass made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, against the New York Jets. His rookie season was remarkable, breaking several Bills franchise records. He converted 28 of his 34 field goal attempts and 57 of 59 extra points, accumulating 141 points, which surpassed Steve Christie’s 1998 franchise record of 140 points in a single season. He also set new franchise records for most field goal attempts in a game (8) and tied for most field goals made in a game (6) against the New York Jets. During the 2020 NFL season playoffs, Bass made history by becoming the first rookie to successfully kick a 54-yard field goal in a playoff game.
Continued Success and Contract Extension
In the 2021 season, Bass maintained his high level of performance, converting all 51 extra point attempts and 28 of 32 field goal attempts. His consistent play earned him the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month award in October 2021 and again in November 2022.
On April 20, 2023, Bass signed a significant four-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills worth up to $21 million, including $5.1 million in signing bonus and $9.41 million guaranteed. This extension secured his position with the team through the 2027 season, making him one of the highest-paid kickers in the league. He received his third AFC Special Teams Player of the Month award in September 2023, having been perfect on all seven field goals and ten extra points through the first three games of that season.
Recent Seasons and Achievements
In the 2024 season, Bass continued to demonstrate his clutch performance. He set a new franchise record for the longest field goal in Buffalo Bills history, kicking a 61-yard game-winner against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9. This achievement also earned him his first AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award. His teammates and coach praised his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially after overcoming earlier struggles in the season.
As of the start of the current professional season, Bass has been a consistent force, with career statistics including 131 field goals made out of 155 attempts and 264 extra points made out of 274 attempts, totaling 657 points over five seasons. However, his current season has seen a temporary setback as he was placed on injured reserve with a left hip/groin injury, requiring him to miss a minimum of four games.
Tyler Bass Personal Life & Family
Tyler Bass maintains a relatively private personal life, with much of his public information revolving around his professional football career. He was born to Ron and Kathy Bass and has a younger sister named Abby. The strong family bond is evident, as he has spoken about his grandmother’s influence on his football career and his decision to wear eye black under one eye as a tribute to her.
As of publicly available information, there is no verified information regarding Tyler Bass’s marital status or romantic relationships. He is not publicly known to have a wife or girlfriend, nor are there any public records of him having children. Bass’s focus appears to be primarily on his career and his role with the Buffalo Bills.
Beyond the football field, Bass is known for his involvement with animal welfare. He is a brand ambassador for the Ten Lives Club, a cat rescue charity. This affiliation became widely known when Buffalo Bills fans, affectionately known as “Bills Mafia,” rallied to support him during a difficult period, making donations to the charity in his name.
Awards and Achievements of Tyler Bass
Tyler Bass has accumulated a notable list of awards and achievements throughout his high school, collegiate, and professional football careers:
High School Achievements
- Chris Sailer Award for High School Kicker of the Year
- All-State (Dutch Fork High School)
- All-Region 4-4A (Dutch Fork High School)
Collegiate Achievements (Georgia Southern Eagles)
- First-team All-Sun Belt (2018)
- Second-team All-Sun Belt (2017, 2019)
- Semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award (2018)
National Football League (NFL) Achievements and Records (Buffalo Bills)
- AFC Special Teams Player of the Month (October 2021, November 2022, September 2023)
- AFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 9, 2024)
- Buffalo Bills Franchise Record: Longest field goal (61 yards, achieved in 2024)
- Buffalo Bills Franchise Record: Most field goals attempted in a game (8, tied)
- Buffalo Bills Franchise Record: Most field goals made in a game (6, tied)
- Buffalo Bills Franchise Record: Most points scored in a single season (141, 2020 season)
- First rookie in NFL history to hit a 54-yard field goal in a playoff game (2020 season)
- First kicker in Bills history to make three field goals longer than 50 yards in one game.
- Second kicker in NFL history to make three field goals longer than 54 yards in the same game.
- Nine-for-nine on field goal attempts in the last minute of the fourth quarter or overtime in his career (as of late 2024).
Tyler Bass Net Worth and Income
Tyler Bass’s financial standing has grown significantly through his successful NFL career. His net worth is estimated at approximately $5 million as of a recent estimate in 2024. His primary income sources stem from his professional football contracts and endorsement deals.
Upon entering the NFL in 2020, Bass signed a four-year rookie contract with the Buffalo Bills valued at $3.475 million, which ran until the end of the 2023 season. Ahead of the 2023 season, he secured a substantial contract extension, signing a four-year deal worth $20.4 million (reported as high as $21 million by some sources). This extension includes a $5.1 million signing bonus and $9.41 million in guaranteed money, ensuring his tenure with the Bills through the 2027 season. His average annual salary under this extension is $5.1 million.
For the 2025 season, Bass is projected to earn a base salary of $3,550,000, along with a workout bonus of $100,000. His career earnings have steadily increased, reflecting his consistent performance and value to the team. In addition to his salary, Bass also earns income through endorsement deals, including a notable partnership with the sports equipment brand Wilson.
Legacy and Influence
Tyler Bass has quickly established a legacy as a highly reliable and clutch kicker in the NFL, particularly for the Buffalo Bills. His consistent performance in a position often scrutinized for its high-pressure nature has earned him the trust of his teammates, coaches, and the fervent Bills fanbase. His ability to deliver game-winning kicks and set multiple franchise records underscores his impact on the team’s success since his arrival.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Bass influences younger athletes by demonstrating the importance of dedication and perseverance. His journey from a college walk-on to a top NFL kicker serves as an inspiring example for aspiring football players.
Bass has also used his platform for social good, most notably through his ambassadorship with the Ten Lives Club, a cat rescue charity. This involvement highlights his compassionate side and has galvanized community support, especially during challenging times. The “Bills Mafia” rallying to donate to his charity in response to online harassment showcased the positive influence Bass has on his community and the strong connection he shares with fans beyond the game.
Interesting Facts about Tyler Bass
- Bass played both high school football and soccer, crediting his soccer background for his strong kicking leg.
- His grandmother encouraged him to try out for the football team, and he wears eye black under only one eye as a tribute to her.
- Before being drafted, Bass went viral for practice videos showing him kicking a 50-yard field goal without a single step and a 60-yard field goal with just one step.
- He beat out a veteran kicker, Stephen Hauschka, for the starting job during a shortened training camp in his rookie year.
- Bass set a new Buffalo Bills franchise record for the longest field goal, kicking a 61-yarder in a game during the 2024 season.
- Despite the pressure of his position, Bass has a remarkable record of converting game-winning field goals in the final minute of games.
- He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Marketing.
- Bass is an active supporter and brand ambassador for the Ten Lives Club, a cat rescue charity.
Controversies
Tyler Bass faced a significant public challenge in January 2024 following a crucial missed field goal in a playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The missed 44-yard kick, which would have tied the AFC Divisional Round game with under two minutes remaining, led to intense online scrutiny and harassment.
In the aftermath of the game, Bass deactivated all his social media accounts, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), due to an overwhelming influx of negative comments, harassment, and even death threats. This incident highlighted the harsh realities athletes can face from passionate, sometimes extreme, fans. Bass publicly acknowledged his mistake, stating, “I feel terrible. I love this team and this one hurts bad.”
In a heartwarming display of support, the “Bills Mafia” (Buffalo Bills fanbase) rallied around Bass. They initiated a movement to donate to the Ten Lives Club, a cat rescue charity for which Bass is a brand ambassador. Fans donated in increments of $22, honoring his jersey number, and the donations quickly surged to over $50,000, turning a negative situation into a positive community effort. This outpouring of support demonstrated the strong bond between Bass and a significant portion of the fanbase, countering the negative sentiment he initially faced.
Social Media Presence
As a public figure and professional athlete, Tyler Bass previously maintained a presence on social media platforms. However, following a period of intense harassment and death threats after a missed field goal in a January 2024 playoff game, Bass made the decision to deactivate all of his social media accounts, including Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). As a result, current follower counts or active online presence information are not publicly available.
Final Words about Tyler Bass
Tyler Bass has carved out a significant role for himself in the National Football League as a dependable and dynamic placekicker for the Buffalo Bills. Since being drafted in 2020, he has consistently demonstrated the leg strength and composure required to perform at the highest level, breaking franchise records and delivering under immense pressure. His ability to convert crucial kicks has often been instrumental in the Bills’ success, cementing his status as a key offensive weapon.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Bass has shown resilience in the face of adversity, particularly after experiencing online harassment, and has leveraged his platform to support causes like animal welfare. His unwavering commitment to his craft, combined with his character, has endeared him to many within the football community.
As of the current professional season, Bass is navigating a temporary setback due to injury, but his history suggests a strong capacity for recovery and a return to form. His future plans undoubtedly involve continuing his successful career with the Buffalo Bills, striving for further team achievements and individual milestones. Tyler Bass’s legacy is one of a dedicated athlete who not only performs at an elite level but also inspires through his perseverance and community involvement.
