After Baltimore Ravens Tight End Mark Andrews fumbled a potentially game winning ball in the divisional round of the AFC championship, Andrews faced a huge amount of backlash on the internet; some of it being death threats. In support of the three time pro-bowler, Buffalo Bills fans raised over $140K to a charity that he supports: Breakthrough T1D.
Breakthrough T1D supports kids with Type One Diabetes, and funds research and advocacy programs to help cure the disease. Andrews thoroughly supports this cause, as he himself has type one diabetes.
Bills fans, also known as the “Bills Mafia,” wanted to support the tight end through this gruesome backlash. They set up a GoFundMe to raise money for the charity he sponsors. As of January 28th, the GoFundMe has raised $144,603, 90% of their goal of $160,000.
“I thank everyone who has shown me and our team genuine support these past several days,” Andrews said on Instagram. “Despite the negativity, I have seen heartfelt love and encouragement, including those who have generously donated to the Breakthrough T1D organization.”
Later, in the AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid dropped the ball on fourth down late into the fourth quarter, ultimately ending the Bills season.
Ravens fans wanted to give back for the kindness Andrews received after his detrimental mistake. Kincaid works with the Summit Center for autism, a special education school in New York. Fans have raised over $13,000 in donations, and the number continues to go up.
Though trash talk is normal and sometimes encouraged in football, it is necessary that fans recognize that it is just a game. It is wonderful to see that two teams and their fan bases are able to put football aside, and stand together when times are tough, which is what makes this sport so special.
