Tyrell Shavers sets the record straight on Pope Leo XIV getting gifted Bills WR’s custom jersey

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills - Source: Imagn
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills - Source: Imagn

Tyrell Shavers is setting the record straight about a recent viral photo.

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The Buffalo Bills’ wide receivers had a #14 jersey that was seen being handed out to Pope Leo XIV, something which had social media buzzing. On the “Up and Adams Show,” he was asked whether or not he’d given his jersey to the Pope; his response:

“I didn’t, I didn’t… We were in meetings, and my phone started just blowing up.. I’m like, what’s going on right now, my phone’s just vibrating and vibrating,” Shavers recalled (Time Stamp 0:03).
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“They sent it and I looked at the picture and was like, whoa, that’s crazy,” added Shavers (Time Stamp 0:13).

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The speculation arose when Michael Fisher, a Buffalo Bishop, paid a visit to the Pope earlier this month. He was seeking guidance on the Diocese of Buffalo’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings and parish restructuring efforts.

Leo got a Bills jersey as a gift with the #14 on it, though it’s unclear if that’s one of Shavers, as the back was never shown. Among the other Bills to wear the #14 are Stefon Diggs, Sammy Watkins and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

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At the same time, the current Pope is the 14th by that name. The Pope does have an American football connection, growing up in the home of the Bears, Chicago.

The Bills hope this visit brings them some good luck, having knocked on the door of the Super Bowl for years, only to narrowly miss out on the big game with numerous defeats at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Shavers is making the most of his opportunity

Shavers isn’t only making headlines off the field but on it as well. The undrafted receiver has stepped up his game and is making the most of his increased playing time.

In their wild 44-32 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he caught four of his five targets for 90 yards and a touchdown. He’s started four games for them in 2025, making 11 receptions for 172 yards and one score.

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He notably had a 43-yard touchdown catch against the Bucs. He got his opportunity because Keon Coleman was benched for coming late to a team meeting.

We’ll see if he gets his number called more often in the future. Shivers was a part of the Second-team All-Mountain West team during his college days at San Diego State.

The Bills will travel to NRG Stadium to battle the Houston Texans on Thursday.

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Edited by Joel Lefevre
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