Buffalo Bills Coach Sean McDermott Celebrated for Walk-On Legacy

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is among many to benefit from the commitment of the College of William & Mary to walk-on players, a policy that has shaped the football program for decades. This weekend, McDermott will join approximately 60 former players on the field at Zable Stadium during a special ceremony honoring the Walk-On Hall of Fame and the HEYFARL scholarship program, which has awarded over $2 million in funding to walk-on athletes since its inception.

Brian Sorrell, the first William & Mary walk-on to earn a full football scholarship through HEYFARL nearly 30 years ago, has shared that he often receives a significant reaction when mentioning that McDermott was the second recipient of such a scholarship. McDermott, who played as a safety alongside Sorrell in the 1990s, has since made a name for himself in the NFL, becoming one of only five coaches in league history to achieve five consecutive seasons with 11 or more wins.

Building a Legacy for Walk-On Athletes

The walk-on tradition at William & Mary is notably different from that of many other colleges, where such players often fill gaps on the scout team. Instead, the program has consistently embraced walk-ons as integral contributors. This commitment can be traced back to former head coach Jimmye Laycock, who, during his tenure from the 1980s through 2018, emphasized the importance of walk-on scholarships and their role in team success.

At the upcoming game against Richmond, former players who have either received HEYFARL scholarships or are part of the Walk-On Hall of Fame will be recognized. This includes notable figures like Lang Campbell, who led the Tribe to the NCAA I-AA national semifinals in 2004 and was honored as the FCS Offensive Player of the Year.

Since the establishment of the HEYFARL initiative—an acronym for “Hundred Each Year for a Rising Letterman”—around 800 individuals have contributed at least $100 annually to support football scholarships primarily for walk-ons. This grassroots effort has created a sustainable funding source that allows players like Sorrell and McDermott to shine on the field, highlighting the potential for hard work to translate into opportunity.

The Impact of Walk-On Scholarships

Sorrell, who now serves as an assistant principal at Warhill High School, recalls the moment when Coach Laycock informed him about his scholarship. “I was honored and elated,” he said, reflecting on how much the opportunity meant to him. “William & Mary is really one of those places where, if you work hard and contribute, they are going to reward you.”

McDermott’s journey mirrors Sorrell’s; he earned his scholarship through dedication and performance rather than potential. His success has extended beyond his playing days, as he now leads a coaching staff at the Bills that includes several former William & Mary players, all of whom have similarly benefited from the HEYFARL program.

Laycock noted the significance of allowing walk-ons to earn their scholarships based on their performance. “I can remember when I brought Sean McDermott into my office and told him he’d earned a scholarship. He broke down and cried, he was so excited,” Laycock shared. “It means a lot to guys who say they can earn it.”

The upcoming ceremony at Zable Stadium will not only celebrate the legacy of walk-on athletes but also serve as a reminder of the impact that such programs can have on young athletes’ lives. As the football community gathers, it will honor the contributions of those who have walked on and made a lasting impression on the William & Mary football program.