If you open up your computer and search for highlights of Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandon Reilly, you might have thought you stumbled upon the wrong video. An undrafted, practice squad wide receiver shouldn’t be making game-winning catches or adjustments that make opposing defenses rethink their game plan.

But for Reilly, this is what he’s done. He’s fought his way to where he is and he’s put in the work to get this far.

Home sweet home

Reilly grew up where he went to college, Lincoln, NE. He was an honor roll student who decided to stay in his college town in the heart of America.

In his first two years with the Huskers, Reilly barely saw action. He had just nine receptions for 109 yards in two years but there was something about him that stood out. Big yardage could come on every catch for Reilly and it was something Nebraska could use. In Reilly’s sophomore season, he averaged 14.5 yards per reception on his six catches. Mike Riley, needed a spark after going 6-7 in his inaugural season and Brandon Reilly could be the provider.

In Reilly’s junior season, he exploded for 754 receiving yards, averaging an astounding 18.9 yards-per-reception. He caught the game-winning touchdown to take down No. 8 Michigan State in his hometown.

The next year, Reilly topped that. He averaged 19.6 yards per reception and put on a show at the Music City Miracle Bowl, racking up 98 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort. His big-play ability had to get him noticed, didn’t it?

The spring

For scouts, Reilly was your average college receiver. An inch or two over six-feet and around 200-pounds isn’t anything new. It doesn’t turn enough heads to make them think twice or make them take note. It’s a carbon copy of a body they’ve seen before. It’s something familiar that didn’t pan out or didn’t impress. It’s a disadvantage and it’s what makes Reilly work even harder to stand out from the crowd.

In April 2017, Reilly didn’t hear his name called in the 2017 NFL draft but the Buffalo Bills quickly jumped to sign him as an undrafted free agent, where he would have a chance to compete in the preseason.

Reilly became somewhat of a fan favorite during training camp and preseason. The 6-foot-2 receiver showed consistent hands and an ability to get open. He caught 11 passes for 139 receiving yards and one touchdown in Buffalo’s exhibition games.

It didn’t work.

Reilly was cut from the team and shortly after signed to the team’s practice squad. It was a chance for Reilly to learn and to adapt his skill set to the speed of the NFL.

Next man up

Buffalo placed starting wide receiver Jordan Matthews on Injured Reserve and activated Reilly off of the practice squad this week.

“They say better late than never,” Reilly joked to the media on Wednesday.

“It’s been tough but definitely something you can’t take for granted. There are not many NFL receivers in the world…”

Even though Reilly is just now getting his chance, his teammates have already noticed his abilities. Richie Incognito notice his drive and how he’s an example of what head coach Sean McDermott wants.

“I’m really excited for Brandon Reilly. I think he embodies so much of what this team is about. He embodies so much what coach McDermott is about,” said Incognito.

“To come in here, make the team as an undrafted free agent, then stick it out, and get rewarded with a roster spot, it’s really cool for Brandon. It’s a special deal for him. He sets a good example for everybody on the team.”

On the other side of the ball, Buffalo’s safety Micah Hyde already see’s comparisons between Reilly and another NFL star who had a similar path.

“He’s kind of like that Thielen from Minnesota type of guy, said Hyde.

“He doesn’t look like he’s going to beat you over top. He doesn’t look like he can go up and get a ball over you. But, when that ball is thrown he’s going to make plays…He’ll go out there in practice and catch a ball over somebody and I’ll be like, ‘How is this guy doing that?’ He’s good, resilient, and I’m happy for him.”

Buffalo right now may need that Adam Thielen type of guy. The offense has the third-fewest passing yards and entered the red zone just twice last week against New England.

For Reilly, this Sunday will be a huge opportunity for him. He’ll be facing off against the worst passing defense in the NFL in his first appearance. Wide receivers dream about an opportunity like this and for Reilly, it’s a reality.

It’s the start of something new for Brandon Reilly and a chance for him to show he’s not just a prototype. He embodies the heart of a Nebraskan and the resilience of a Buffalonian. Now is the time for him to put it together and take the next step to show the NFL what he’s all about.