Support for Breakthrough T1D
After a tough moment in his career, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has received unexpected support from Buffalo Bills fans. A GoFundMe campaign created by 19-year-old Nicholas Howard had raised nearly $80,000 by Wednesday evening. The funds are going to Andrews’ charity, Breakthrough T1D, which focuses on Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy.
Inspiration Behind the Fundraiser
The fundraiser began just one day after the Bills’ 27-25 win over the Ravens in the divisional playoff. Howard, who was in the stands cheering for the Bills, was inspired to start the campaign after Andrews faced harsh criticism, including death threats, on social media. This backlash came after Andrews dropped a game-tying 2-point conversion attempt and lost a fumble late in the game.
“I feel so bad because it’s a bunch of couch potatoes out there that are saying these hate comments,” Howard said. “He busted his butt to get where he is and he didn’t mean to drop that pass, obviously. He made a mistake and everyone makes mistakes. He does so much for the community, and it’s ridiculous that they would do that to him.”
Andrews’ Teammates Speak Out
Although Andrews has not publicly spoken since the game, his teammates have offered support. Fullback Patrick Ricard reassured fans that Andrews would overcome the setback.
“Mark’s a complete competitor. He’ll be fine,” Ricard said. “He’s going to be hurting for a while, but he’s going to continue to do great things.”
A Show of Compassion
The Ravens organization also expressed their gratitude toward Bills fans for their support. Pam Morrisroe, the Chief Marketing Officer of Breakthrough T1D, shared her appreciation for the donations, saying she was “overwhelmed by the donations made in such a short time.”
“It was obviously upsetting to see the backlash coming out of Sunday’s game. But then to see that turned around overnight through this GoFundMe is just incredible,” Morrisroe said. “It is incredible to see that level of support and compassion.”
Bills Fans’ Generosity
This is not the first time Bills fans have shown generosity to others. In 2017, after the Bengals beat the Ravens and secured the Bills’ playoff spot, Bills fans donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton’s charity. In 2020, following the death of Josh Allen’s grandmother, over $1 million was donated to Buffalo’s Oishei Children’s Hospital. In 2022, more than $300,000 was raised for Bills kicker Tyler Bass’ charity after his missed field goal in a playoff loss to the Chiefs.
Howard was inspired by these past acts of kindness and believed the Bills Mafia could make a difference again. “That’s definitely a main drive as why I wanted to start it because it’s been done in the past, and I know Bills Mafia can do it again,” Howard said.
“I love the NFL and I love the players and how they represent all these kind of charities… And I just want to give back to them for giving back to others.”
