Several days after being eliminated from the NFL playoffs by the Denver Broncos, the Buffalo Bills continue to find themselves in the headlines.
The latest Bills subject that has seemingly taken over NFL discussions of late centered around what team owner Terry Pegula said on Wednesday about wide receiver Keon Coleman.
During a press conference with general manager Brandon Beane, Pegula appeared to blame Buffalo's coaching staff for swaying the team into the decision to select Coleman in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
"The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon," Pegula said (h/t ESPN). "I'm not saying Brandon wouldn't have drafted him, but he wasn't his next choice. That was Brandon being a team player and taking advice of his coaching staff who felt strongly about the player. He's taken -- for some reason -- heat over it, and not saying a word about it. I'm here to tell you the true story."
Many interpreted Pegula's statement negatively, particularly because Coleman is still on the team. While there surely are other ways to address Coleman's struggles with the Bills, doing it in such a public manner didn't sit well with a lot of people, including the fans.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Coleman has yet to react or offer a statement regarding Pegula's claim. But in one of the former Florida State Seminoles star wideout's pinned posts on Instagram, fans have found an avenue to channel their support for the beleaguered player.
"Keon please stay man don’t leave let’s prove them wrong 😤," said a fan on Instagram.
Another one said: "I’m sorry they are talking down on you , you don’t deserve the hate”
From a commenter: "we love you bro please prove pegula wrong this season”
“I’m so sorry big man,” a social media user posted.
Via a different commenter: “Come to Cleveland homie we will gladly have you here 🔥👍🏽”
Said another: “i’m not giving up on you keon love you man”
Through two seasons in the NFL, Coleman has recorded 960 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 67 receptions and 116 targets across 26 games.