Josh Allen has earned plenty of praise throughout his career for what he does on Sundays.

But according to one veteran teammate, what happens before practice may be even more impressive.

Defender Michael Hoecht recently shared a story that highlights why Allen remains one of the most respected leaders inside the Bills organization.

After arriving in Buffalo during the 2025 offseason, Hoecht quickly learned that Allen’s commitment extends far beyond game day.

The veteran recalled consistently seeing Buffalo’s franchise quarterback at the facility long before team activities officially began.

“Josh Allen is always the first at the facility. Morning workouts start at 9 a.m. I’d arrive at 8, and Josh was already there.”

Initially, Hoecht assumed it was simply part of Allen’s routine on certain days.

Then he decided to arrive even earlier.

“One day, I got in at 7:30 and he was still there.”

The discovery immediately caught Hoecht’s attention.

Wanting to see just how far Allen would go to prepare, he challenged himself to arrive before the quarterback.

“So, I thought, ‘I’ll beat him today.’ I showed up at 6 one morning, and guess what?”

The answer only increased his admiration for Buffalo’s superstar signal-caller.

“Josh Allen was already grinding.”

For Hoecht, the experience revealed why Allen continues to perform at an elite level year after year.

Talent may have helped him become one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks, but preparation is what separates him from most players.

The story is especially meaningful coming from Hoecht.

After suffering a devastating Achilles injury during the 2025 season, the veteran has spent months fighting through rehabilitation while working toward a return.

Throughout that process, he has had a front-row seat to the culture Allen helps create inside the building.

The Bills enter 2026 with championship expectations once again.

Much of that optimism revolves around the leadership and consistency of their franchise quarterback.

Teammates routinely praise Allen for setting the standard through his actions rather than his words.

According to Hoecht, that standard begins before sunrise.

As Buffalo prepares for another Super Bowl push, stories like this continue to explain why players rally around Allen.

His arm talent may make headlines.

His work ethic is what earns the respect of everyone inside the locker room.

Stay tuned to ESPN.