Josh Allen Speaks Out Revealing the Real Reason Behind the “Cold” Action That Made 2x Super Bowl Star Mecole Hardman Jr. Feel Left Out in First Practice
Buffalo, New York – 11/13/2025
The “missed handshake” story between Josh Allen and Mecole Hardman Jr. has become the hot topic of Bills Mafia for the past 48 hours. In the first practice, Hardman shared that he felt “like being left out” when Allen only gave a minimal handshake, while with other teammates, the Bills QB had more complex and fun greeting routines. The image of Allen walking past Hardman with a cold face, light hand touch then leaving made fans wonder.
But right in the latest press conference, Josh Allen has shared the real reason behind this action – and the story is completely different from what everyone thought. Allen affirmed that it was not coldness, but a “character test” that has become a tradition for rookies. He wanted to see how Hardman reacted, whether he actively integrated, and whether he dared to demand his position in a highly competitive locker room or not.
“I did not do that to make him uncomfortable,” Allen said. “I wanted to see how he stepped into this group… see if he was confident to step up and break the ice or not. That is the small challenge I give to newcomers – so they understand that initiative always unlocks every door in our locker room.” Allen’s explanation made the entire press room burst into laughter, and many Bills fans felt relieved.
Allen also revealed that he actually had prepared a “special handshake” for Hardman – the handshake that he only gives to teammates he really respects. But he wanted to wait for Hardman to pass the first test: confidently request it. That evening, Allen proactively went straight to Hardman after the film session and completed the “max level” handshake that made the meeting room explode with excitement.
This small incident has created an interesting story about Mecole Hardman Jr.’s integration process in Buffalo. From the feeling of “being left out” to the fun moment with Josh Allen, the Bills rookie has officially been welcomed in a way… very Bills Mafia. And if this is just the opening act, Buffalo has the right to expect greater chemistry between Allen and Hardman in the coming weeks.
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