ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — As Josh Allen stepped into his first training camp news conference, the fans erupted in cheers.
After sitting down following the inaugural practice at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford, New York, the Buffalo Bills quarterback, known for his love of training camp, expressed his gratitude for the fans and the welcoming atmosphere.
Then, Allen shared an important update.
“I won the first-ever Catan game last night against Dawson [Knox], Dalton [Kincaid], and Spencer [Brown],” Allen declared. “So, be sure to tell them that. It was a … pretty sweet win.”
Bills quarterback Josh Allen, “I am the Lord of Catan throughout training camp.” Perry Knotts/Getty Images
“Settlers of Catan,” a legendary board game, has been a beloved component of the team’s off-field activities for years, especially during training camp. This pastime is integral to the culture in Buffalo, the second-smallest market in the NFL. Games like Catan, along with other leisure activities, have fostered team bonding, potentially contributing to the Bills’ 2-0 season record as they prepare for Monday Night Football against Jacksonville (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
LIVING IN A smaller city necessitates creativity in how to spend leisure time. Buffalo’s identity is deeply intertwined with its sports teams, making it challenging for players to go out without being recognized.
“There’s not as much to do in Buffalo,” left tackle Dion Dawkins noted. ”We have to rely on each other for fun… you don’t really want to be outside, but you can’t avoid it because you can’t hide, and it’s not like we’re trying to escape. Sometimes, you just want a moment to lower your guard… We enjoy each other’s company. Some of us have really nice homes, and we want to utilize them.”
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The team’s social interactions take various forms. Veteran Von Miller has introduced dominoes for the players, while center Connor McGovern hosts homemade pizza gatherings at his residence. Rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman praised Allen’s home, remarking, “I’d never leave if that was mine,” jokingly suggesting that a bowling alley is the only thing it lacks.
Additionally, various games are available in the Bills’ training facility, including corn hole and ping pong. Last year, a small card table was added, and players…
Often engaged in Uno, they experienced audible reactions when a Draw 4 was played.
Team bonding has been a notable focus this season, according to third-year wide receiver Khalil Shakir. The Bills have seen considerable changes during the offseason, with eight new starters featured in the lineup for Week 1.
“Initially, when we started doing it, we were a new team getting to know one another, but now we’ve played together so much that everyone has connected, and our team chemistry is fantastic,” Shakir explained. “I believe that the closer the team is, the better our performance on the field will be. You’re playing for each other.”
FOR A SELECT GROUP of players, that bonding is achieved through playing Settlers of Catan, commonly known just as Catan.
Catan is a board game developed by Klaus Teuber, debuting in Germany in 1995. It has since been translated into over 40 languages, and more than 40 million copies have been sold, including online versions. National competitions are regularly organized. The game involves strategic civilization-building, where the goal is to establish settlements by acquiring and trading resources (cards). The standard game accommodates three to four players, each starting by placing two settlements and two roads on the board. The first player to reach 10 or more victory points emerges as the winner. Catan’s strategic elements are often likened to those of Monopoly and Risk.
Although it might not be a game typically linked to professional athletes, the Bills are among several teams that enjoy it.
The principal players of the Buffalo Bills include QB Josh Allen, tight ends Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, as well as offensive linemen Spencer Brown, Ryan Van Demark, and Tommy Doyle. Peter Joneleit/Getty Images
The main players are Allen, tight ends Knox and Kincaid, along with offensive linemen Brown, Van Demark, and Doyle.
Allen mentioned that he began playing in 2020. With the extensive use of Zoom for meetings that year due to COVID-19, it provided a good opportunity to stay connected and play online. The quarterback considers the game a “fun way to clear your mind.”
Doyle and Brown learned the game during their rookie year in 2021 from offensive lineman Ike Boettger and center Mitch Morse, who was with the Bills from 2019-23 and is now on the Jaguars. Morse will be among the two former team captains—wide receiver Gabe Davis is the other—who will compete against the Bills on Monday night.
“Settlers was already popular before [Brown and Doyle] arrived,” Morse recalled. “I kind of initiated it in Buffalo; I don’t want to brag, but it really took off.”
Morse has continued to play in Jacksonville with some members of the offensive line, although it’s not as frequent as in Buffalo due to players living further apart.
Initially hesitant about the game, Brown eventually changed his mind.
“Like with many new board games I try, I often think, ’This is silly,’ but then my competitive nature kicks in,” Brown noted. “Once I grasped the strategy, I
“It was dumb as hell,” Brown remarked about losing by 10 points in two cities.
Initially, Brown aimed to construct the longest road, but he now believes that the ports hold the key to success. Knox concurred regarding the importance of ports and emphasized the necessity of “a diversified portfolio of numbers.” Kincaid, however, opted not to disclose his strategy.
Discussing Doyle’s surprising victory over Knox to reach the final table in the end-of-training camp tournament—starting with six players and concluding with four—sparked a lively conversation.
Knox recalled feeling he was unjustly singled out during that loss, joking that he is still coming to terms with it, while others labeled it a significant upset. The game permits players to collaborate against one another and exchange resources, which Knox claims he fell prey to.
In this instance, several opponents traded with Allen, enabling him to construct five roads and seize the longest road from Knox. Allen subsequently revealed his victory points and claimed the win. In the words of the tight end, “He won, eliminated me from the tournament, and they all cheered.”
Kincaid countered, saying, “No, Dawson prefers to play the victim, but there’s a reason he didn’t make it to the final board game.”
Knox, clearly disagreeing, stated, “I’m easily the most targeted player in Catan. Of course, [Kincaid] asserts otherwise. He’s trying to get ahead of the narrative because he knows the reality. They always team up against me because I’m usually the one who would win if not for their collusion. So that’s their only chance.”
Knox placed the blame on Allen.
“Josh is essentially the ringleader because he’s the most persuasive,” Knox recalled. “He’ll say, ‘Oh, Dawson already has six points. You all know what to do: start blocking him.’ After that, no one trades with me. It’s fine; I still persist. I still manage to win occasionally, but they make it more challenging.”
The final round was filled with its own drama.
“That one was complete bulls–t; I should have won that,” Van Demark declared. “It’s all about government politics and conspiracy. They’ll say, ‘Dawson’s the worst. Why are you coming after me? Josh is winning. Go after him!’ And then, boom. Dawson wins. Spencer is equally guilty. He deflects blame onto everyone else, yet somehow he ends up winning. It’s a government conspiracy—that’s what’s happening.”
“Honestly, I just hate when Josh wins,” Knox said of Allen amid their Catan games. “We’re definitely not teaming up against him, but we can’t stand it when he wins.”
The Bills have welcomed new players into the game, such as kicker Tyler Bass, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and punter Sam Martin. Martin participated in one game but didn’t become hooked; however, he expressed openness to trying again.
“I kept getting the cards wrong,” Martin admitted. “I’d be like, ‘I need rocks.’ They’d correct me, saying, ‘You need bricks, not rocks.’ I was like, ‘What the hell?’ I couldn’t grasp it.”
Winning is a point of pride, and Allen’s competitive nature has stirred his rivals.
“Honestly, I just hate when Josh wins,” Knox reiterated. “But no, it’s been fun. We’re definitely not teaming up against him; we just dislike it when he wins.”
“Oh, it’s either me or … Dawson will claim everyone conspires against him, but I believe I’ve got them,” Allen said. “I am the Lord of Catan during training camp, so it’s quite an honor.”
Allen noted that the start of the season has led to less gameplay, but he believes “I’m sure it’ll pick back up soon.”
With the season now in full swing, the focus shifts to future challenges, including the potential to start 3-0 for the first time since 2020 against a Jaguars team that has won their last two encounters.
This iteration of the Bills continues to evolve as they move forward.
Michael DiRocco contributed to this story.
Buffalo Bills Foster Team Chemistry Through Competitive Catan Games During Training Camp
The Rise of Board Games in Professional Sports
In recent years, an interesting trend has emerged in the world of professional sports: the use of board games to foster team chemistry and enhance player relationships. The Buffalo Bills, a prominent team in the NFL, have embraced this trend wholeheartedly, incorporating competitive games of Catan during their training camp. This unique approach not only adds a fun element to their rigorous training schedule but also helps strengthen team dynamics.
Understanding Catan: A Brief Overview
Catan, originally known as The Settlers of Catan, is a popular board game where players collect resources, build settlements, and strategize to dominate the island of Catan. With its emphasis on trading, negotiation, and strategic thinking, Catan mirrors many aspects of teamwork found in professional sports, making it an ideal choice for the Buffalo Bills during their training camp.
Key Features of Catan
- Resource Management: Players must efficiently manage resources to build roads and settlements.
- Negotiation: Trading resources with other players fosters communication and collaboration.
- Strategic Planning: Players must develop strategies to outmaneuver competitors while anticipating their moves.
How Catan Games Enhance Team Chemistry
The integration of Catan games into the Buffalo Bills’ training camp serves multiple purposes, all contributing to improved team chemistry.
Building Relationships
By playing Catan, players get the opportunity to interact in a relaxed environment. This informal setting allows teammates to bond over shared experiences, leading to stronger interpersonal relationships.
Encouraging Communication
Catan requires active communication between players, especially during trading phases. This emphasis on dialogue translates into better on-field communication, where players must constantly talk to one another to execute plays effectively.
Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills
Playing Catan encourages players to think critically and develop problem-solving strategies. These skills are invaluable in high-pressure game situations, where quick thinking can determine the outcome of a play.
Benefits of Playing Catan During Training Camp
Integrating Catan into training camp offers a variety of benefits that extend beyond just team bonding:
- Stress Relief: Training camp can be a grueling experience. Playing games like Catan provides a fun break from intense physical workouts, reducing stress and mental fatigue.
- Boosting Morale: Friendly competition and laughter can significantly boost morale among players, leading to a more positive training atmosphere.
- Team Cohesion: The shared experiences during Catan games create a sense of unity and camaraderie among teammates, which is essential for success on the field.
Practical Tips for Implementing Catan in Team Settings
For other sports teams looking to incorporate board games like Catan into their training regimen, here are some practical tips:
- Schedule Regular Game Times: Set aside specific times during training camp for Catan games to ensure players can look forward to them.
- Encourage Inclusivity: Ensure that all players participate, regardless of their gaming experience. Everyone can contribute in their way.
- Keep It Friendly: Emphasize fun over competition to maintain a light-hearted atmosphere.
Case Studies: Other Teams Embracing Board Games
The Buffalo Bills are not alone in their approach. Other professional sports teams have also successfully integrated board games into their training camps:
| Team | Game Used | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | Uno | Team Bonding |
| Miami Dolphins | Monopoly | Strategy Development |
| Los Angeles Lakers | Risk | Leadership Skills |
Firsthand Experience: Bills Players Share Insights
Several Buffalo Bills players have spoken about their experiences with Catan during training camp:
Josh Allen, Quarterback
“Playing Catan not only helps us relax but also teaches us how to work together. The strategies we develop in the game often translate to the field.” – Josh Allen
Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
“It’s all about communication. Whether you’re trading resources or running routes, you need to be on the same page with your teammates.” – Stefon Diggs
Conclusion
As the Buffalo Bills continue to integrate fun and engaging activities like Catan into their training camp, they set an example for other teams looking to enhance team chemistry and improve performance. By fostering communication, building relationships, and encouraging strategic thinking, the Bills are not only preparing for the season ahead but also creating a cohesive unit that can face any challenge on the field.
