Grateful Buffalo Bills fans overwhelm Andy Dalton's foundation with donations

Andy Dalton became an unexpected hero in Buffalo in the final week of the NFL's regular season, and the Bills' fan base was quick to express its gratitude to the Bengals quarterback.

Dalton threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd with 44 seconds remaining against the Baltimore Ravens to give the Bengals a 31-27 win Sunday. In doing so, the Bengals eliminated the Ravens from the playoffs and cemented a berth for the Bills, who held the longest active playoff drought in North American professional sports.

In a touching display of sporting comradery, the Buffalo Bills fans came together online to thank Dalton by sending numerous donations to the Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation, which focuses on helping children in the Cincinnati area.

In just 24 hours, over 2500 donations of $17 or more were made with funds eventually reaching a figure of over $57,000 dollars. 

Dalton said: 

"According to my Twitter, I think everybody's loving us right now. That's a crazy fan base, and they're all pretty excited. Obviously, they're all really helping out a good cause. It's been pretty fun to see the reaction we've gotten."

The aim of Daltons' Foundation is "to provide daily support, opportunities, resources and life-changing experiences to seriously ill and physically challenged children and their families in Cincinnati and Fort Worth."

The Foundation also made a public statement, which read:

"Andy and JJ are thankful for the generosity of Bills fans and honored to have the opportunity to use these donations to support the families in need through our Foundation’s programs. The city of Buffalo truly is the city of good neighbors and crazy fans.”