BUFFALO, N.Y. — Bills Mafia shows its support everywhere: on the streets, in the parking lots and in the stands.
The biggest way the fans have shown their appreciation is through generosity.
Since 2018, when Bengals QB Andy Dalton helped end the Bills’ playoff drought, Bills Mafia started something special.
The fans donated to his charity and have since done the same numerous times over.
Tragically, Bills Mafia has been called on again.
Earlier this week, Luke Knox, the brother of Bills tight end Dawson Knox, died in Florida. The former Ole Miss linebacker was getting ready for his season with Florida International University.
Bills Mafia has started donating to P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, an organization based in Western New York that helps fight childhood cancer.
Most of the donations pouring in are $16.88 — Luke's number at Ole Miss and FIU was 16, and Dawson wears 88 for the Bills. As of Saturday, donations have total more than $150,000.
“We run six programs that serve local families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis,” said Gwen Mysiak, P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative executive director. “We work very closely with our hospital partners at Oishei and Roswell. Our programs include everything from helping with paying bills on behalf of families for mortgage, rent, utilities, to car payments and medical travel.
“We will be trusted stewards of these resources in memory of Luke. They know we stand in sorrow, compassion and support to them. We will be working very closely to make sure they understand the impact these resources will make on our organization.”
Knox is no stranger to P.U.N.T.: Mysiak says he’s worked with the organization for years started by former Bills punter Brian Moorman.
“His cousin fought a pediatric cancer diagnosis and is doing well,” said Mysiak. “He was just with us at an event we did in July with Dawson and his family, so he did have a frame of reference through one of his cousins having battled cancer.”
She says Dawson and the entire family don’t just talk the talk — they walk the walk. Just last month they were all together, Luke included, in Tennessee for a fundraiser.
“These resources are meaningful to us because Dawson is more than just a spokesperson for our organization,” said Mysiak. “He’s invested his heart and soul. So the fact that we are stewards of resources that are his brother’s legacy is extremely meaningful to us.
"We are appreciative of this money, but we certainly would never wish to be in this situation, and our thoughts first and foremost go out to Dawson and his family as they navigate this terrible loss.”