Buffalo Bills fans, “Bills Mafia,” raise over $50,000 for Breakthrough T1D, a charity dedicated to juvenile diabetes research and advocacy.
Highlights
- Mark Andrews faced severe backlash, including death threats and jersey burnings, after a crucial dropped pass in the AFC divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.
- In a heartwarming gesture, the “Bills Mafia” raised over $50,000 for Breakthrough T1D, a charity dedicated to juvenile diabetes research and advocacy, which Andrews supports.
- Mark Andrews, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of nine, has been a vocal advocate for diabetes awareness and research.
Baltimore Ravens’ tight end Mark Andrews has found himself at the center of a storm following a crucial dropped pass in the AFC divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Ravens, trailing by two points, had a chance to tie the game with a two-point conversion.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw a pass to Andrews, who initially caught it but fumbled just before crossing the end zone.
The Ravens lost the game 27-25, and the fallout was swift and severe.
MARK ANDREWS DROPPED THE GAME-TYING PASS 😳
— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2025
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/dGHC30xxun
The game was a nail-biter, with both teams battling fiercely for a spot in the AFC Championship.
Andrews’ dropped pass in the final moments was a heartbreaker for Ravens fans, who had high hopes for their team’s playoff run.
The tight end, known for his reliability, had a rare off day, with multiple fumbles and drops that contributed to the Ravens’ loss.
Hate Messages, Death Threats, And Jersey Burning
Following the game, Andrews faced an onslaught of criticism and vitriol from fans.
Social media was flooded with angry messages, and some fans took it to the extreme, sending death threats to Andrews and his family.
The situation escalated to the point where Andrews had to disable comments on his social media accounts to avoid the barrage of hate.
Mark Andrews deserves death threats
— the 1️⃣ jack (@WolvesBack_) January 20, 2025
do i burn my mark andrews jersey⁉️⁉️⁉️🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
— hunter (@silksonghater) January 20, 2025
Mark Andrews I hope you die bitch ion even wish death on people but you deserve it bitch
— lor Ray 00 (@___1ray) January 20, 2025
The backlash didn’t stop at online threats. Some disgruntled fans went as far as burning Andrews’ jerseys in protest.
The tight end, who has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense, found himself in an unprecedented situation.
His teammates and coach were quick to defend him, emphasizing that football is a team sport and that the loss was not solely his fault.
Lamar Jackson, who had his own share of turnovers in the game, stood by Andrews, stating,
Mark Andrews looking at his DMs on the plane back to Baltimore pic.twitter.com/XSJ4GHGBA4
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) January 20, 2025
Buffalo Bills Fans Raised Over $50,000 For A Charity Andrews Supports
In a surprising and heartwarming twist, Buffalo Bills fans, known as the “Bills Mafia,” rallied to support Andrews.
They started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Breakthrough T1D, a charity dedicated to juvenile diabetes research and advocacy, which Andrews supports.
The campaign quickly gained traction, raising over $50,000, far surpassing its initial goal of $5,000.
The gesture from Bills fans was a nod to the sportsmanship and camaraderie that can exist even among rival teams.
Nicholas Howard, the organizer of the GoFundMe, stated,
Shout out to Bills Mafia for showing support to our guy Mark Andrews and donating to the @BreakthroughT1D organization, which works towards curing and improving the lives of those dealing with Type 1 diabetes. 💜https://t.co/tQfjchcmOx
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 22, 2025
Mark Andrews Fights A Personal Battle With Diabetes
Mark Andrews’ connection to juvenile diabetes is deeply personal.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of nine, Andrews has been a vocal advocate for diabetes awareness and research.
He manages his condition with an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor, checking his blood sugar levels frequently during games.
Today I learned Mark Andrews has type 1 diabetes and has to check his blood sugar level 20+ times per game.
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) November 8, 2023
He also wears a continuous glucose monitor off the field, sharing his blood sugar levels with his family, his agent and the team’s head trainer.
And he’s an All-Pro TE 👏 pic.twitter.com/qJ2HOGiwhE
Andrews’ journey with diabetes has been an inspiration to many, showing that the condition doesn’t have to limit one’s potential.
His support for Breakthrough T1D reflects his commitment to helping others who face similar challenges.
Andrews Was Drafted By The Ravens In The 2018 NFL Draft
Mark Andrews has had an impressive career since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
He played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a standout player, earning the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end in 2017.
6
— Did Brent Venables Get Fired Today? (@ouftblcountdown) August 27, 2023
“Wide open and complete, Mark Andrews! Baker Mayfield does it!” Baker Mayfield finds a streaking Mark Andrews for a 59 yard touchdown against Texas in 2017. Mayfield would finish with 302 yards and two touchdowns. Oklahoma would go on to win 29-24 #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/qk8mtMQ0W3
In the NFL, Andrews quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends.
He has been selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and was named to the All-Pro team in 2021.
Known for his strong work ethic and dedication, Andrews has been a key player for the Ravens, contributing significantly to their offensive success.
Additional Information
- Mark Andrews once helped save a woman’s life during a flight from Phoenix to Baltimore. The woman was experiencing a medical emergency due to low blood sugar, and Andrews, being a Type 1 diabetic himself, offered his diabetic testing kit to assist the medical professionals on board.
- While at the University of Oklahoma, Andrews had a near-death experience when his glucose levels crashed due to a disrupted routine. His dormmate, Wesley Horky, quickly called Andrews’ mother for guidance, which helped save his life.