ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — New Era Field is known as a hostile environment for opposing quarterbacks, but for one Sunday, that's likely to change.

The Bills host the Bengals in a preseason game in Orchard Park, and Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton and some of his teammates could receive a warm welcome from Bills fans. 

"I've heard I should run for mayor. I've heard that I'll never have to pay for anything in Buffalo. I don't know. We'll see," he said.

Dalton will forever be linked to the lore of professional football in Buffalo.  On New Year's Eve last year, on the final day of the regular season, Dalton's late touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd gave the Bengals a comeback win over the Ravens — and in the process eliminated Baltimore from playoff contention, and ended 17 years of misery for the Bills with a joyous moment and at long last a trip to the postseason.

"For it to happen that way and we be able to celebrate in the locker room right after that victory is was a definitely a huge deal, something that I'll never forget," said Bills defensive back Tre'Davious White. "The plane ride home was the best ever. After that we went out as a team and we celebrated also so it was an unforgettable night. "

Bills safety Micah Hyde had experienced the playoffs as a member of the Packers before joining the Bills, but that moment watching the Bengals beat the Ravens is tough to top.

"The passion that we had with us all in the locker room after the game, it gives me chills right now just thinking about it," Hyde said. "That was probably one of the greatest sports memories I've ever had in my life."

Dalton’s been hailed a hero in Buffalo, as he the Bengals head to Orchard Park this weekend to battle the Bills in the preseason. The rare occasion an opponent can expect cheers at New Era Field, maybe even from players on the opposite sideline.

"Oh, Andy Dalton's going to get a standing ovation probably, which he deserves," Hyde said. "I'm going to be clapping too. That was 4th and 12 to get us in the playoffs and they end up scoring a touchdown. Oh yeah, I'll be clapping for him, not during the game, but when he runs out on the field. I'll be clapping for him the rest of my career."

Jubilant Bills fans thanked Dalton for the moment that vaulted their team into the playoffs by donating more than $450,000 to Dalton’s foundation to help children in need. Dalton and his wife will pay back Western New Yorkers back with a donation of their own to the pediatric department at Roswell Park Park Comprehensive Cancer Center before the game on Sunday.

"What happened with Buffalo has been able to shed alot of light on what we do and what our foundation helps," Dalton said. "For us, we're happy to give back to Buffalo because of how nice they were to us."

Bills head coach Sean McDermott was among those who still has chills thinking about how events unfolded that night, and the way Bills fans and the Dalton's have formed a bond. 

"What a great testament to paying if forward and what Andy and his wife have decided to do and give back to the community that gave to them," McDermott said. 

Dalton will also have a pre-recorded message thanking Bills fans for their generosity that will play during the game Sunday at New Era Field.