Cincinnati Bengals fans may not have a team in it right now, but they’re certainly making their presence known during the NFL playoffs. That’s because they have decided to make donations to the Blake Bortles Foundation. A kind gesture, indeed, but why? After all, Bortles is the quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It turns out they’re donating to the worthy cause as a way to say thank you for beating the Pittsburgh Steelers –the Bengals’ AFC North rival — 45-42 on Sunday. Bortles threw for 214 yards and a touchdown in his team’s win and stayed composed in the fourth-quarter to drive the Jaguars down field.
According to the foundation, more than 100 Bengals fans have donated $5,000 since the game ended. The Blake Bortles Foundation supports Jacksonville communities in need. In the past, the charitable group has helped first responders in Florida, and children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Blake Bortles
“Fans are at the core of the football experience and it’s truly exciting and rewarding when they band together, regardless of the team they cheer for, to make a positive impact in the lives of others,” Bortles said. “I greatly appreciate the support displayed by Bengals fans and they should know their support will make a difference.”
Per the Blake Bortles Foundation, Cincinnati sports radio host Mo Egger encouraged fans to pay it forward after Buffalo Bills fans donated to more than $170,00 to Andy Dalton’s charity, which supports seriously ill and physically challenged children. Bills fans dished their financial support after Dalton threw a 49-yard touchdown pass on 4th-and-12 to beat the Baltimore Ravens in week 17, and send the Bills to the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
So what will happen if the Jaguars oust the New England Patriots, the NFL’s Goliath, in the AFC Championship? Perhaps Bortles and his foundation will be flooded with donations from the Bills, Jets and Dolphins.
Time will tell.
