Josh Allen praises Buffalo Bills' rookie for hard-nosed mentality, gameday impact

The first-year tight end has taking the league by storm while also impressing his teammates along the way.

Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Jackson Hawes (85) warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

It’s been a slow go for the Buffalo Bills’ rookie class to begin the 2025 season.

With rookie cornerbacks Maxwell Hairston and Dorian Strong on Injured Reserve and others turning in disappointing starts to their respective professional careers, one of the few bright spots for Buffalo’s crop of first-year players has been tight end Jackson Hawes.

Hawes has exhibited impressive blocking ability and has also made unexpected contributions in the passing game, doing so while employing a hard-nosed mentality that has left his teammates impressed.

On Thursday, Josh Allen was asked about the Bills’ young tight end and what makes him such a “sicko.”

Josh Allen on what makes Jackson Hawes a "sicko": "If you've seen him laugh, he laughs for two seconds then he is back to stone-cold face.... We love him here. He has made some plays for us and what a great teammate to have." pic.twitter.com/9xFDFFmOc6

— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) October 9, 2025

“If you ever see him laugh, he laughs for two seconds, then it’s back to stone-cold face,” said Allen. “There’s no — sometimes, you laugh and keep a smile or grin. (With Hawes), it’s just (straight faced).”

MORE: Several key Bills' players remain on IR as preparation for Falcons begins

Not many rookies make an immediate impact on their teammates the way Hawes has through his first five weeks as a professional.

“We love him here,” added the Bills' quarterback. “He’s been making some plays for us, and what a great teammate to have.”

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Jackson Hawes (85) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Hawes has recorded just four receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown this season, but his impact on the Bills’ running game has been impressive. In addition, his presence on the field alone has allowed Buffalo to use three-tight-end sets with regularity, which has been a boon for its offense. The Bills’ use of 13 personnel has been one of the most effective offensive formations utilized by any team in the NFL this season.

With a strong start behind him, the sky is the limit for Buffalo’s promising rookie.

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bills from Buffalo Bills on SI  —

More Buffalo Bills News:

• Bills planning to defend Falcons' superstar running back in Week 6

• Bills officially install players' favorite upgrade in new Highmark Stadium

• Bills bolster CB position with signing of another familiar face

• Sean McDermott updates Josh Allen's health status after Bills' QB 'took some shots'