Buffalo Bills Coach Sean McDermott Celebrated as W&M Walk-On Success

The legacy of walk-on athletes at William & Mary is being celebrated, with notable recognition for former players like Sean McDermott, now head coach of the Buffalo Bills. During a ceremony at Zable Stadium on October 14, 2023, approximately 60 former walk-on players, including McDermott, will be honored following the first quarter of the Tribe’s game against Richmond. This event highlights the enduring impact of the HEYFARL organization, which supports walk-on athletes in earning scholarships.

Brian Sorrell, a former player and the first walk-on to receive a full scholarship from HEYFARL nearly three decades ago, recalls how mentioning his connection to McDermott often raises eyebrows. “I always used to say, ‘I was the first, and Sean was the second,’” Sorrell noted. McDermott, who played alongside Sorrell during the 1990s, has forged a distinguished coaching career, becoming only the fifth coach in NFL history to achieve five consecutive seasons with at least 11 wins.

The support for walk-on players at William & Mary has a rich history, significantly influenced by the efforts of alumni like Tom Mikula and others who established the HEYFARL initiative. The acronym stands for “Hundred Each Year for a Rising Letterman,” and aims to provide financial assistance for walk-on athletes. Over the past two decades, HEYFARL has raised more than $2 million, enabling around 800 contributors to support football scholarships.

Historically, William & Mary has embraced walk-ons not merely as supplemental team members but as vital contributors to the program’s success. Former head coach Jimmye Laycock, who led the Tribe for 39 years, emphasized the importance of walk-on players in his coaching strategy. “From my first year, we always saved scholarships for players who walked on,” Laycock explained. This approach has been fundamental to the team’s accomplishments, with over 20 walk-ons having served as team captains since the 1980s.

One of the most prominent walk-ons in the program’s history is quarterback Lang Campbell, who led William & Mary to the 2004 FCS national semifinals. Campbell’s impressive statistics earned him the prestigious Walter Payton Award as the FCS Offensive Player of the Year, solidifying his legacy within the program.

The contributions of walk-on players extend beyond individual accolades. Current head coach Mike London, who previously served as an assistant under Laycock, continues this tradition of valuing walk-ons. He supported players like Sorrell, who at 200 pounds, was not initially seen as a scholarship-level offensive lineman. Sorrell’s journey culminated in earning a scholarship, a moment he describes as “a dream come true.”

As the ceremony unfolds, the recognition of these athletes serves as a testament to the spirit of determination and hard work fostered at William & Mary. It reinforces the idea that scholarship opportunities can be earned through performance and dedication rather than mere potential.

McDermott’s experience as a walk-on resonates with many players today, illustrating a pathway where effort is rewarded. His coaching staff in Buffalo, which includes several former Tribe players, underscores the ongoing legacy of William & Mary’s commitment to walk-ons.

Reflecting on the impact of walk-on scholarships, Laycock remarked, “It means a lot to guys who say they can earn it.” This ethos continues to drive the success of the football program and the athletes who wear the Tribe uniform.