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Jordan Poyer's 'mind, body and spirit' approach to second Bills' tenure

Buffalo Bills' veteran safety Jordan Poyer has a newfound mental clarity thanks to Ayahuasca and other factors.
Nov 3, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (26) is tackled by Miami Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer (21) and safety Marcus Maye (26)
Nov 3, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (26) is tackled by Miami Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer (21) and safety Marcus Maye (26) | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The 34-year-old Jordan Poyer is older and wiser as he enters his 13th NFL season, kicking off a second tenure with the Buffalo Bills.

Poyer, who spent the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins after seven years in Buffalo, was unemployed this summer until the Bills signed him to a practice squad contract this past Wednesday.

Although he was temporarily away from the game, Poyer remained physically fit and continued working towards his personal goals of self improvement and inner discovery.

“I'm just down in South Florida where it's hot and humid, and just running and lifting, and trying to get myself to the point of throwing up sometimes, because I know running out there is different than football shape," said Poyer. "Just doing everything I can, the mind, body and spirit, just keeping them fresh."

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In recent years, Poyer has embraced alternative plant-based medicines that he's found to have positive effects on his mental state. Last year, he famously attended an Ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica along with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

"It's really diving into the depths of yourselves. Understanding yourself and understanding the strength and power that you have," said Poyer about his Ayahuasca-centered pilgrimage last year on The Pat McAfee Show.

Earlier this summer, Poyer participated in a spiritual retreat to the Brazilian rainforest.

Jordan Poyer in Acre Brasil
Jordan Poyer in Acre Brasil | Instagram / @j_poyer21

In June, he spoke at an annual Psychedelics Science convention in Denver. Earlier that month, the safety hosted a transformational gathering where attendees "came together to breathe, to feel, to remember."

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"The mental part of my game has been a huge, huge asset to me over the last five, six years. Really learning about the power of my mind and how to, whether it's a bad play or a good play, just continue to move on, continue to grow, continue to learn and evolve and adapt," said Poyer this past Wednesday in Orchard Park.

From All-Pro safety to zen master, Poyer's football journey will include at least one more chapter as the tranquil veteran comes "home" to the Bills.

"I feel good," said Poyer.

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20+ years of media experience to Buffalo Bills ON SI. Prior to focusing on the Bills, he spent two years covering the New York Jets. Ventre initially joined the ON SI family in 2021, providing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.