You might have noticed that so far in 2025 I haven’t been doing a lot of thinking here (sorry about that by the way). The recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne though has got me thinking quite a bit. While not everyone identifies as a metalhead, Ozzy was an icon beloved the world over, spreading a little bit of metal to the masses. As my tribute to the legend, I too want to spread a little bit of metal to each of you.
Because I can, I’m going to imagine what heavy metal artist or band some of our favorite players would be. As a token of respect, I will not be comparing any player to Ozzy. As always, the comment section is yours to run with the premise (or boo me off stage).
Tre’Davious White/Metallica
I’m not insinuating Metallica isn’t heavy metal or “metal enough” so don’t yell at me with this next statement. If there was a heavy metal band that ever reached the level of fandom to be considered “pop” it would have to be Metallica. Tre’Davious White is one of the most popular personalities on the team and aggressive “touring” outside of Buffalo has only expanded his fan base.
Advertisement
Add in his veteran status and the comparison is only deeper. Metallica and White have both been doing their thing for what seems like forever and both are reaching the point where you wonder how much longer they can play at a high level. Make sure to see ‘em while you still can and toss up those horns to show some appreciation while the memory remains.
Josh Allen/Avatar
I know what’s going to happen. Some of you are going to jump right to the comments and tell me why Avatar isn’t the G.O.A.T. heavy metal band and I bet you’ll have some great arguments. To be clear, I’m not talking G.O.A.T. or metal history now. I’m talking about who is the single greatest act in heavy metal as of this second.
Advertisement
That’s Avatar. Maybe you still want to debate me? That’s fine, people love debating whether Josh Allen is the best quarterback in the NFL right now. Speaking of G.O.A.T. though, check this out before we go any further…
Avatar can do it all. Growling vocals juxtaposed with glorious harmony and melody? Check. Chest punching, percussive riffs with symphonic solos and piano? Check. A little country flair? No problem. Avatar is a musical threat at all levels, just like Josh Allen is a threat from the pocket, on the move, scrambling, trash talking, or being super sportsmanlike apparently.
Joe Andreessen/Green Jellÿ
In the realm of heavy metal, Green Jellÿ is a band that holds their own and “belongs.” That said, they’re pretty niche and I bet even a lot of metalheads would struggle to think of a couple songs of Green Jellÿ’s not named “Three Little Pigs.”
Advertisement
A small group of fans are rooting for Green Jellÿ, but it’s basically just the core group sustaining their popularity. Andreessen is a big name here with the core fans, but that’s about it.
I could have gone with many heavy metal bands that fit this description just like you could say the same for a few players. So here’s the real connection. Both Andreessen and Green Jellÿ are hometown heroes, originally hailing from Buffalo.
Even if it’s only for a moment, we’re rooting for Andreessen’s national spotlight. If it’s as a result of claymation, that’d be fine.
Reid Ferguson/Fight
To make this accessible to as many readers as I could, I tried to avoid obscure bands but I’ll break that rule here and go with Fight. Active for only a brief time in the 90s, I’ll forgive even those heavily into the metal scene for forgetting about Fight.
Advertisement
Just like you might forget about the impact a long snapper has on the team. Aside from you possibly forgetting they exist, what else do Reid Ferguson and Fight have in common? I’ll tell you after this short video break.
Reid Ferguson is the longest-tenured player on the Bills’ roster making him an OG of the current team. He’s been a team leader and powerhouse on the scene. Fight was a project of Rob Halford, who you may know as the frontman of Judas Priest.
While Fight doesn’t get the accolades, they’re 100% powered by an OG of the metal scene and it shows. Culture matters and both Ferguson and Fight silently bring out the best around them.
Advertisement
James Cook/KISS
Yeah, this is going to be a bit of a jab at James Cook (and perhaps KISS), but also let this be food for thought on how we perceive things. By any measure, KISS is incredibly successful. But for the James Cook parallel I didn’t want just a successful metal band, I wanted a commercially successful metal band and no one has marketed themselves more successfully than KISS. As a band they’ve dropped the facade of it being entirely about the music and embraced the business.
And that’s okay. KISS’ quest for more money hasn’t been without controversy (four solo albums dropping on the same day?). Despite their outward penchant for marketing they’ve never stopped playing hard and I think that’s a good way to look at James Cook. As KISS once sang: “It ain’t a crime to be good to yourself.” Go get your money James!
Quick Hitters
Whether you’re looking for more metal recommendations for me, can’t get enough of the whimsy, or looking for more reasons to despise me and this article, here’s a few more comparisons without the full write up.
Advertisement
O’Cyrus Torrence/Nine Inch Nails
Nicknamed “Cybo” which is short for “Cyborg,” O’Cyrus Torrence pairs well with pioneers of the industrial metal scene. Protecting Josh Allen, Torrence has made plenty of defenders bow down before the one they serve.
Ed Oliver/The Dillinger Escape Plan
Oliver’s tenure with the Buffalo Bills might best be described as harnessed chaos. Oliver’s been asked to play just about every spot on the defensive line to wreak havoc. If there’s one band whose medium is harnessed chaos it would be The Dillinger Escape Plan. Masters of the art of dissonance, it’s hard to listen to them without thinking they’re “all over the place.”
Khalil Shakir/Dream Theater
Dream Theater is known for smooth vocals and guitar all wrapped up in true virtuosity. The run time on some of their tracks make the full-length version of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida feel like a blip. If you think I’m kidding…
I believe this is merely their third longest piece. Back on topic, Shakir is smooth and that RAC has him running for days.
Advertisement
Dion Dawkins/Godsmack
Always end on a high note, and who better than the ever-popular Schnowman? In no small part thanks to frontman Sully Erna’s background as a drummer, much of Godsmack’s catalog has a percussive/explosive feel to it. I bet if you ask NFL defenders they might say Dawkins has a bit of an explosive style too, making sure they keep away. Godsmack also saw wide-ranging appeal. From the Wiccan community to the U.S. Military, Godsmack received near universal seals of approval. Dawkins’ winning smile and charming personality make this a good match.
Now it’s your turn! Feel free to create your own matches, discuss mine, or just banter about on the subject at hand. Can’t think of one of your own? Never fear, I’ll try to patrol the comments and if you toss out a player, I’ll give you a band to match. Intrigued by some of the picks? I can give some songs to check out, etc.