Life as an offensive lineman can be a thankless job. They’re rarely the ones to score touchdowns or make the flashy plays.

And that’s just fine with Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern.

“Yeah, that’s just one thing you live with,” McGovern said. “You’re the first one blamed, the last ones acknowledged. That’s just how we live, and we accept that role and we love it.”

McGovern accepted a new role with the Bills this season, changing positions from offensive guard to center after the club released veteran Mitch Morse in the offseason. Head coach Sean McDermott, offensive line coach Aaron Kromer and general manager Brandon Beane were all confident in McGovern’s ability tackle the move.

McGovern calls center one of the most mentally demanding positions in the sport because of the need to be on the same page as the quarterback in setting protections and making sure the rest of the blockers have the right assignments.

The transition was nothing new after growing up playing that spot in high school and later in college at Penn State.

“It’s kind of like riding a bike, getting on to it,” he said. “Took a few weeks to get going but once I found the ground and got comfortable it’s been a lot of fun.”

The results have been seamless. With McGovern manning the middle of the offensive line, the Bills allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL this season, while leading the way for running back James Cook to tie the team’s all-time rushing touchdowns record. 

“A lot of it comes down to just communication,” McGovern said. “You could be a great athlete, block everyone, but if you’re not helping the other guys around you, getting everyone on the same page, the whole offense is going to fail.”

Creating a rapport with teammates is critical — one might say a recipe for success. McGovern’s prowess cooking in the kitchen has led to hosting team pizza parties and a chance to bond over some good times and good eats.

It’s the secret sauce behind one of the best offensive lines in football, with McGovern as a key ingredient.

“Just bringing everyone over to house,” McGovern said. “I think it really builds the team chemistry, just having the guys around each other and on-field I think that just builds the trust with each other."

McGovern learned to build his own gaming computers with the help of YouTube. While that seems like a complicated process needing a high-powered brain, McGovern believes the task does not compare to what it takes to play the position of center in the NFL.

It requires five or more people thinking and acting singularly.

“If we’re all wrong, we’re right together was a huge mindset we had, so communication has been a huge part of our offense this year,” he said.