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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — After experiencing significant challenges in his career, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is receiving unexpected support from Buffalo Bills fans. A GoFundMe initiative initiated by 19-year-old Nicholas Howard has rapidly gained momentum, nearing $80,000 in contributions by Wednesday evening. The funds are intended to benefit Breakthrough T1D, an organization dedicated to Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy.
Howard’s journey transformed dramatically within 24 hours. After cheering the Bills to a close 27-25 victory over Baltimore in a divisional playoff game, he was moved to create the fundraiser in light of the wave of criticism Andrews faced, which included upsetting death threats. This backlash followed a fumble and a dropped pass that could have tied the game late in the contest, leaving many to point fingers at him on social media.
“It’s disheartening seeing armchair critics hurl hateful remarks,” Howard stated during a phone conversation. “He has put in tremendous effort to reach his current position, and nobody intends to make mistakes like that. Andrews contributes immensely to the community, and it’s unfair for anyone to treat him poorly because of a misstep.”
Despite the tumult, Andrews has opted to remain silent publicly since the setback, though he has received a wave of encouragement from teammates and coaching staff. Fullback Patrick Ricard expressed confidence in Andrews, stating, “Mark is an incredible competitor. Though he will hurt for some time, he will continue to excel.”
Meanwhile, the Ravens expressed gratitude towards Bills fans on social media for their kind gestures. Pam Morrisroe, Chief Marketing Officer of Breakthrough T1D, remarked on the overwhelming response to the fundraiser within such a brief timeframe. “The negativity following Sunday’s game was painful to witness. However, the support emerging through this campaign has been nothing short of remarkable,” she noted.
“The compassion and support we have received is heartwarming. We appreciate the efforts behind this fundraiser greatly, and I hope Mark recognizes the good that has also come from this tough situation. We are incredibly thankful for his steadfast support of our cause.”
This is not the first instance of Bills fans uniting to support players in difficult times. In the past, they donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to then-Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton’s charity after he helped Cincinnati defeat Baltimore in a crucial game back in 2017, a loss that enabled Buffalo to reach the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.
Furthermore, in 2020, Bills fans contributed over $1 million to Buffalo’s Oishei Children’s Hospital following the death of quarterback Josh Allen’s grandmother. Just last year, they raised more than $300,000 for kicker Tyler Bass’ favored cause—a local cat rescue—after facing scrutiny for a missed field goal attempt late in a playoff loss.
“This was definitely a key motivator for me to start the fundraiser because I knew the history of Bills Mafia supporting players in the past,” said Howard, whose original fundraising target of $5,000 was surpassed quickly after the page was launched. “My love for the NFL and its athletes, who oftentimes champion various charities, drives my desire to give back to them for their philanthropy.”
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