Bills Brutally Cut Former Second-Round Pick Hours After Birthday Tribute — Player Left in Shock

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – August 26, 2025 – The Buffalo Bills made one of the coldest moves of cutdown day, releasing a former second-round pick only hours after celebrating his birthday with teammates.

The decision came during final cutdowns as Buffalo trimmed its roster to 53. Despite showing flashes of speed and versatility in the preseason, the veteran wideout was unable to secure a place in one of the league’s most competitive receiver rooms.

Teammates had shared cake and laughter earlier in the day, believing the occasion was a moment of levity before the storm of roster decisions. Few imagined that one of their own would be let go before the icing had even settled.

That player was Kahlee Jacoby “K.J.” Hamler, the former Penn State star and second-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2020. Hamler, who joined Buffalo on a reserve/future contract in January, had been battling for a spot as a depth receiver and returner.

In a raw and emotional statement, Hamler recounted the surreal timing: “I was still cutting the cake with my teammates when the call came. To be released on the same day the team celebrated my birthday… I’ve never felt a shock like that in my life.”

Hamler’s NFL journey has been turbulent. From a promising rookie season in Denver to a series of devastating injuries — ACL, hamstring, pectoral surgery, and even pericarditis — his career has been defined as much by resilience as by setbacks.

With Buffalo, he flashed glimpses of the deep-threat speed that once made him a coveted prospect, including a rushing touchdown in preseason against the Giants. Still, roster math and depth at wide receiver left little room for his story to continue at the active level.

For now, Hamler remains on the Bills’ practice squad, awaiting another chance to prove himself. But the sting of being released on his birthday will linger — a reminder of how unforgiving the NFL can be, even in its most human moments.