Mark Andrews spoke for the first time following his heartbreaking fourth quarter fumble and two-point conversion drop in the Ravens' 27-25 divisional playoff loss in Buffalo.
Andrews didn't speak to reporters after the game or the day after as he collected his thoughts, which he posted to Instagram Thursday afternoon.
Here's the message in its entirety:
"It's impossible to adequately express how I feel. I'm absolutely gutted by what happened on Sunday. I'm devastated for my teammates, my coaches and Ravens fans. 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. Even though the shock and disappointment are unlike anything I've felt before, I refuse to let the situation define me. I promise that this adversity will only make me stronger and fuel us as we move forward.
"I thank everyone who has shown me and our team genuine support these past several days. Despite the negativity, I've seen heartfelt love and encouragement, including from those who have generously donated to the Breakthrough T1D organization. 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. #GodBless"
Andrews’ teammates showed him support immediately after his mistakes and in the hours and days following. Quarterback Lamar Jackson came to him on the bench and said, "We're a team. It's all of us, bro. It ain't just you."
After seeing online backlash aimed at Andrews, a Bills fan started a GoFundMe aimed at raising money for Breakthrough TD1, a diabetes research and advocacy organization that is dear to Andrews, a Type-1 diabetic. The GoFundMe has now raised more than $100,000.
On Wednesday, Head Coach John Harbaugh and General Manager Eric DeCosta made it clear that they have the back of the franchise's all-time receiving touchdowns leader. Harbaugh said Andrews is a "huge part of our future."
"Mark Andrews is a great football player and he's also a very tough-minded individual," Harbaugh said. "So, yeah, he takes it hard because he cares so much. But I love Mark Andrews. Eric loves Mark. All of our players love Mark.
"If anybody can take a tough circumstance like that and handle it with class and grace and dignity and mental toughness, it's most definitely Mark Andrews."
