Ex-Bills Safety Micah Hyde Sheds Light on NFL Future Amid Return Talk

Micah Hyde has yet to announce his decision on whether to return to the Buffalo Bills or retire, but the All-Pro safety has laid the groundwork to continue playing in the NFL.

Speaking with former Bills center Eric Wood on the Centered on Buffalo podcast, Hyde revealed new details about the neck surgery he underwent following a season-ending injury in 2022. Hyde said that he had the option of a more comprehensive procedure that would have ended his career. then, but chose not to with the intention of continuing to play.

Hyde became a free agent in March, but said he would consider a return to the Bills for one final season and the team’s management also appears open to a return.

Micah Hyde reveals new details about his injury

Hyde suffered a neck injury early in the 2022 season that left him on injured reserve. While security suggested he might have been able to return if the Bills had advanced to the AFC Championship Game that season, he ultimately didn’t return until the start of the 2023 season .

Speaking to Wood, whose career was ended by a similar neck injury, Hyde revealed he had two surgical options. He could have gotten a single fusion and repaired the injured disc or a double fusion which would have repaired both the injured disc and the one underneath that was at risk of damage.

The double fusion would have been career-ending surgery, so Hyde said he opted for a single fusion so he could continue playing.

“Last season, the one on the bottom started misbehaving,” Hyde revealed during his June 21 appearance. “Later in life I might have to have surgery that second time, but I was hoping for later in life and not two or three years.”

One more season?

Hyde said he’s still not sure if he wants to return for another season in the NFL. Speaking to reporters at his charity softball game, Hyde said he has enjoyed his time away from football and is still trying to figure out his next move.

“I feel like an open book. You know everything I know” Hyde said, via Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News on X. “I ran away after the season, I went to San Diego. My days consist of training, swimming with the kids, just trying to continue to help my wife with the kids and continuing to prepare physically and mentally – should anything happen.

But Hyde was also clear that if he came back, it would only be for the Bills.

“It’s Bills or retire,” the All-Pro safety said, via WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio.

If Hyde decides to return to the NFL, he could find a spot with the Bills for what would be his eighth season in Buffalo.

“Bills general manager Brandon Beane said he didn’t think Micah Hyde had ‘closed the door’ on the game and that the Bills ‘certainly wouldn’t close the door on a Micah Hyde return if he decides to play,’” Alaina of ESPN. Getzenberg wrote about