For the first time since the Baltimore Ravens' 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs, Ravens tight end Mark Andrews spoke publicly about his role in the defeat.
While he had five catches for 61 yards, Andrews also made two critical mistakes in the fourth quarter: a fumble that halted a drive with Baltimore trailing 24-19 and a drop in the end zone on what would have been a game-tying two-point conversion with under two minutes to go.
Andrews, who did not speak to the media after the game, released a statement Thursday on Instagram.
“It’s impossible to adequately express how I feel. I’m absolutely gutted by what happened on Sunday,” Andrews wrote in a caption. “I’m devastated for my teammates, my coaches and Ravens fans.”
He continued: “I pour every ounce of my being into playing at the highest level possible, because I love my team and the game of football like nothing else. That’s why it’s taken me until now to collect my thoughts and address this publicly.
“Even though the shock and disappointment are unlike anything I’ve felt before, I refuse to let the situation define me.”
Andrews goes on to say the situation will make him stronger, and he also expressed gratitude to fans who raised money for his foundation in the wake of the loss.
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To support Andrews and the negativity he faced after the game, a Bills fan page started a GoFundMe campaign Monday to raise money to donate to Andrews’ charity, which works to helping those with Type 1 diabetes. As of Wednesday night, it had raised over $80,000.
“Despite the negativity, I’ve seen heartfelt love and encouragement, including from those who have generously donated to the Breakthrough T1D organization,” Andrews wrote.
Baltimore selected Andrews, 29, in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft. He has spent his entire seven-year career with the Ravens.
