(Reuters) – Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews issued his first public comments since his crucial dropped pass in Sunday’s playoff game at the Buffalo Bills, saying on Thursday he was “absolutely gutted” but determined to come back stronger.
The usually sure-handed Andrews had a chance to secure a two-point conversion and tie the score with 93 seconds left but dropped the ball as he fell into the end zone on the snowy field en route to a 27-25 loss that ended the Ravens’ season.
“I’m devastated for my teammates, my coaches and Ravens fans,” Andrews wrote on Instagram.
“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 is why it’s taken me until now to collect my thoughts and address this publicly.”
Andrews, the Ravens’ all-time touchdown leader, did not make himself available to media after the game and has been subject to negative attention online.
“Even though the shock and disappointment are unlike anything I’ve felt before, I refuse to let the situation define me,” Andrews wrote.
“I promise that this adversity will only make me stronger and fuel us as we move forward.”
Bills fans have shown their support for Andrews by launching a GoFundMe to support Breakthrough T1D, a global Type 1 diabetes research organization that Andrews has supported.
As of Thursday afternoon, the fund raised more than $105,000 for the charity.
Andrews, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child, thanked everyone who has shown him and the Ravens support.
“Despite the negativity, I’ve seen heartfelt love and encouragement, including from those who have generously donated to the Breakthrough T1D organization,” Andrews wrote.
“Even when the moment seems darkest, perspective can reveal that there’s still a lot of light in this world. I’m now going to do my part to bounce back and contribute to it.”
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Ed Osmond)
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