Orchard Park, N.Y.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver David Nelson is emerging as one of Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite targets.

He runs crisp routes, has steady hands and at 6-foot-5, he's pretty easy to find. The lengthy receiver snagged a game-high 10 receptions Sunday, including the game-winning touchdown with just 14 seconds remaining.

"He's a tough matchup for a lot of teams," Fitzpatrick said. "He's a real good, smooth wide receiver."

And while you can't measure heart, he appears to be OK in that department, too. As the game neared conclusion, his legs grew tired and his body sore.

"Towards the end of the game, I started getting worn down, but it's a testament to my teammates who were motivating me, telling me to keep going," Nelson said. "I knew that my team needed me and I had to step up. With that kind of motivation, you can't lose."

His teammates aren't the only source of motivation, however. Moments after scoring the winning touchdown, Nelson sought out his family in the stands - perhaps 50 feet from the stage which he performed his last-minute heroics.

"They've been my biggest supporters since I was a kid," Nelson said. "They believed in me when most people didn't. They've always been there for me and been supportive. When I went undrafted, they were there. They knew that I could make it and they gave me the confidence to make it."

Nelson, undrafted out of Florida, caught 46 passes for 630 yards and seven touchdowns in his collegiate career - numbers that don't exactly jump out at pro scouts. That's all in the rearview now.

"It's something you dream of as a little kid; coming in and catching the game-winning touchdown," Nelson said. "I just can't put it into words how special it was for me. I got emotional after the game. My mom and little brother are here and I gave them a hug. It was kind of an emotional feeling because of all the hard work that's gone in."

Also sitting with Nelson's mother, Kathy Belcoff and his brother, James, were his girlfriend, Kelsi Reich - a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader - and her mother, Pam Reich.

"No matter what goes on, they are always there for me," Nelson said. "When the bad times are there, they are there for me. When the good times are there, they are there for me. I want to make sure to let them know that I appreciate them always being there for me, so they were the first people I wanted to go to and talk to and let them know how much they mean to me. This wasn't just for me, it's for them also."

The young receiver was glad the people who mean the most to him were able to sit so close.

"Thanks to the Bills for giving us good tickets," he said with a smile.

Twitter: @ihavenet

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