Ravens Player Offered Free Food, Charity Donations After Drop In Playoff Loss

BALTIMORE, MD — Football fans are rallying behind usually sure-handed Ravens tight end Mark Andrews after a key drop and fumble in Baltimore's Sunday playoff loss at the Buffalo Bills.

Some responded with distasteful remarks, but others chose to support the Ravens' all-time touchdown leader with free food and over $131,000 in charitable donations in his name.

Free Food

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill offered Andrews free food for life at any of its 52 locations. The fast-casual chain founded in Maryland in 2011 has 14 eateries in the Old Line State, and its newest restaurant is opening on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 6.

"As Coach Harbaugh said after last weekend’s playoff game, the Ravens wouldn’t have been there without Mark," Mezeh founder and CEO Saleh Mohamadi said in a Tuesday press release. "Mark has been a fan favorite and one of the team’s most valuable players since he arrived in 2018. We love him and we’re showing it with this invitation to eat at Mezeh whenever he likes, on us. For the rest of his life."

Andrews fumbled during the fourth quarter, setting up a Bills field goal. He later dropped a 2-point conversion that would have tied the game with 1:33 remaining. He also posted five catches for 61 receiving yards in the Ravens' 27-25 loss.

Andrews wasn't the only Raven to commit a turnover. Quarterback Lamar Jackson also threw an interception and coughed up a fumble after a high snap led to a scrambled play. Jackson's fumble led to a Buffalo touchdown in the second quarter.

Mezeh still supports the tight end, choosing instead to remember his clutch plays over his seven seasons in Baltimore.

"Whether you’re in the mood for a flatbread wrap, rice or salad bowl or anything else on our flavor-packed menu, we’ll be ready to show our appreciation for all you’ve done for Ravens fans over the years, Mark," Mohamadi said. "I know our loyal guests would love to do the same. We hope you’ll take us up on our offer soon … and often!"

Charity Donations

Buffalo Bills fans recognized the hateful comments directed at Andrews after the tough game. The fanbase, known as Bills Mafia, countered the nastiness with donations to an Andrews-backed diabetes charity. Andrews has type 1 diabetes.

Bills fan Nicholas Howard launched a GoFundMe to support Breakthrough T1D, a nonprofit that researches type 1 diabetes and supports people with the condition. The fundraiser had collected a combined $131,772 by 5 p.m. Friday from over 2,700 donors. The campaign is still accepting donations here.

"As many of you know, Ravens TE wasn't able to catch the game-tying 2-point conversion and upset Ravens fans. On top of that, the TE has been receiving death threats and nasty comments after his performance last night. We want Bills Mafia to donate to Mark's charity for juvenile diabetes," Howard said on the fundraiser page.

The charity thanked Bills fans for their support.

"Breakthrough T1D [formerly JDRF] greatly appreciates the generosity of the Buffalo Bills community and the many fans who were compelled to donate after Sunday's game," the group told ESPN in a statement. "These donations will support research and advocacy on behalf of the 1.6 million Americans who, like Mark Andrews, live with type 1 diabetes."

The Ravens also shared the fundraiser link and applauded the Buffalo fanbase.

"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," the Ravens said Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter.