Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) - In the days leading up to kickoff this Sunday in Houston against the Texans, the Buffalo Bills have announced their captains for the 2026 season.
The team will have six captains this year, with two captains - quarterback Josh Allen and linebacker Terrel Bernard - returning to the leadership group. The other four captains this season in Buffalo includes tight end Dawson Knox, pass rusher Bradley Chubb, long snapper Reid Ferguson and special teams ace Sam Franklin Jr.
This will be Allen's eighth-straight season serving as a captain on the offensive side of the football. The 2024 NFL MVP is entering his ninth season under center for the Bills after being the team's first-round pick (seventh overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Also serving as a captain on the offensive side of the ball is Knox, who will be a first-time captain in his seven years with the franchise. The 29-year-old was a former third-round pick (96th overall) of the Bills in the 2019 NFL Draft.
On the defensive side of the ball, Bernard will be a captain for a third-straight season. The 27-year-old is entering his fifth season with the Bills after being a third-round pick (89th overall) of the team in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Chubb is named a captain in his first year with the franchise after being signed in free agency. The 30-year-old was originally the fifth overall pick of the Denver Broncos in the 2018 NFL Draft, and spent parts of the last three seasons playing in Miami with the Dolphins.
Chubb was a team captain with the Dolphins just this past year.
As for the special teams, Ferguson is a captain for the fourth time in his career, and the first time since the 2021 season. Ferguson is the longest-tenured player on the Bills, having been with the franchise since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016.
Franklin Jr. has also been named a captain on special teams after joining the Bills last season. He played so well as a special teams ace, the Bills signed Franklin Jr. to a three-year extension this past offseason.
The 30-year-old was originally an undrafted free agent out of Temple University by the Carolina Panthers in 2020.
The Bills kick off their 2026 season at 1 p.m. on Sunday against the Texans at NRG Stadium.
