Ravens' Mark Andrews says he's 'heartbroken' over severe slump

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews made his first public comments since Sunday's 27-25 playoff loss to Buffalo, posting on Instagram, He was “very saddened by what happened.”

Andrews fumbled on a two-point conversion as he fell backward in the end zone, leading to him receiving intense criticism on social media. The game would be tied with 1:33 left in the game.

“While this shock and disappointment is unlike anything I've ever felt before, I refuse to let this situation define me,” Andrews wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “I promise, this adversity will only make me… Be stronger and give us the energy to move forward.”

Andrews did not speak to reporters after Sunday's divisional round loss, and he was not present when media reported the locker room was being cleared on Monday.

It was an unusually false start for Andrews, who had not conceded a goal in his previous 12 games. Andrews also fumbled a fumble midway through the fourth quarter, the three-time Pro Bowler's first fumble since 2019.

“I am grieving for my teammates, coaches and Ravens fans,” Andrews wrote. “I am fully committed to playing at the highest possible level because I love my team and the game of football, which is why I have only now gathered my thoughts and addressed this issue publicly.”

In support of Andrews, Bills fans have launched a charity campaign that has donated more than $100,000 to Breakthrough T1D, an organization dedicated to curing and improving the lives of people with type 1 diabetes like Andrews.

“I'm grateful to everyone who has given me and our team genuine support over the past few days,” Andrews wrote. “Despite the negativity, I've seen heartfelt love and encouragement, including from those who have generously donated to groundbreaking T1D organizations ”

It's a tough way to end a season like Andrews, who has made a career near the goal line. Earlier this season, Andrews became the Ravens' career touchdown scorer with 51.

Teammates, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, expressed support for Andrews, who is considered one of the hardest workers on the team. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday that Andrews “is a big part of our future and we love him and we're going to support him.”

Andrews concluded his Instagram post: “Even in the darkest moments, perspective reveals that there is still a lot of light in this world. I will now do my part to bounce back and contribute to that.”