3 Months After His Mother's Death, 12-year-old Gets Unexpected Gift from NFL Wide Receiver
There’s nothing like being a Buffalo Bills fan. The faithful suffer through some of the coldest winters in the United States, but not snow, sleet or freezing temperatures can dull their love of their football team.
Even when the Bills missed the playoffs for 17 straight seasons, every Sunday, Ralph Wilson Stadium (now New Era Field) was nonetheless full of hope.
More than that, Jim Kelly and his family can vouch for the support of “Bills Mafia” during his courageous battle with cancer, and now, so too can 12-year-old Dylan Lonnen.
Earlier this week, Lonnen received the biggest package of his life from someone he doesn’t even know — at a time when he needed it the most.
Dylan’s mother passed away unexpectedly three months ago. That’s traumatic for anyone, but especially a 12-year-old boy.
So when Bills receiver Zay Jones heard about the tragedy, and wanted to help.
Zay sent Dylan a package with a game-worn shoe and other goodies:
https://twitter.com/hlips98/status/1021870983127461888
The gifts were an inspiring gesture, but there may not have been anything in that package more valuable to Lonnen than the handwritten letter from player to fan.
“Dear Dylan, I hope this letter finds you doing well. My condolences on the loss of your mother. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please stay strong little bro. Hopefully this ball and game-worn cleat will cheer you up! Thank you for your love and support. It means the world to me. Much love! Go Bills! Your friend, Zay.”
While it certainly doesn’t compare to losing a parent, Jones has had a difficult offseason as well.
In January, he underwent surgery for a torn labrum he had played with during the postseason. Then, after showing glimpses of his potential as a rookie, he was arrested in March following a bizarre incident where he was fighting with his brother — while naked.
Even then, Jones thanked Bills fans.
the outreach of love has been overwhelmingly great. thank you for all the birthday wishes and for those who have supported me through everything.
— zay (@zayjones11) March 31, 2018
In May, he underwent surgery again, this time for a knee injury, from which he still hasn’t fully recovered.
Nonetheless, Jones took at least a few minutes to get his mind off of his own troubles and think about the heartbreak one of his fans was experiencing.
“When he opened it, a huge smile came on his face, I wish I would have gotten it on tape,” older sister Hannah Lonnen told The Buffalo News via a direct message on Twitter. “As soon as I realized what it was, I started to cry. It’s just what he needed. … Dylan is such a humble and grateful kid; he totally deserves this.”
“We are proud and love being a part of this Buffalo sports community.”
Another win for the Bills Mafia.
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