Bills Player Sparks Backlash Over Statement on Marriage Roles After Divorce News

Buffalo, NY – August 6, 2025

The Buffalo Bills find themselves in the middle of a social media firestorm after one of their own made candid remarks about gender roles in marriage, just days after news broke of his divorce.

Ryan Van Demark, a 27-year-old offensive tackle, has quietly earned respect for his work ethic and versatility on the field. But his off-field comments this week have triggered heated debates and divided opinions both in Buffalo and beyond.

The controversy erupted when Van Demark, reflecting on his recent divorce, shared his frustrations about expectations placed on men in modern relationships. The message was raw and unusually personal for an NFL locker room.

"It seems like men today are expected to do everything — earn money for the family, take care of the kids, clean the house, be strong but also gentle. And somehow… it’s still never enough. I’m not avoiding responsibility — we men still carry the load, still fight every day. But don’t treat that as something to take for granted."

Drafted as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Van Demark has played 26 regular season games and one playoff for the Bills, most recently starting twice in the 2024 campaign. His on-field discipline hasn’t always translated to easy off-field conversations.

Some fans and pundits rallied to his defense, praising his honesty and willingness to voice the quiet struggles of many men. Others blasted the statement as outdated, suggesting it minimized the challenges women also face.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott declined to comment on the matter, while teammates emphasized their support for Van Demark as a person and a player. The team is expected to address the topic internally, keeping focus on preparation for the upcoming season.

As the debate continues to swirl, the spotlight remains on Van Demark — not for a pancake block or a key snap, but for igniting a national conversation about marriage, masculinity, and what it means to truly share the load.