BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Andrew Coatney was just finding his competitive edge during his first year playing football, when the 14-year-old tragically passed away on April 21.
His family told 7 News' Michael Schwartz that Coatney died in a "freak accident," at his home in Valley Mills, Texas.
"Was such a shock to everybody," said Coatney's uncle, Michael Martin. "It was a bad accident."
Martin described Coatney as a great leader to his younger siblings, goofy yet mature, and a happy kid.
Coatney was a linebacker, but his favorite football player was Bills Quarterback Josh Allen.
"I guess [Andrew] just liked the way [Josh] played," said Martin. "He was very hard on himself. He just really wanted to be great."
The only jersey Coatney owned was Josh Allen's, which he hung up on his wall. Coatney was dressed in the jersey at his funeral before he was cremated.
"For whatever reason, the memorial home had issues removing the jersey, and they did something to damage it," explained Martin.
Unfortunately, Coatney's family didn't get back the jersey that meant so much to their son. That's when Martin went on Instagram later that night to send a message to Josh Allen himself.
"I wasn't thinking of hearing anything back," said Martin.
Less than a week later, Martin got a message from the Buffalo Bills:
"I couldn't believe it," Martin expressed.
The Bills sent Martin a signed Josh Allen jersey with the personalized message, "Sending all the love in the world!"
"It means the world," said Martin. "Taking time out of such a busy schedule, when you're such a big-time guy like that, to do that for a family...I couldn't hold it closer to my heart."
Martin plans to frame it for his nephews, so they can forever have something that their brother cherished so much.
"Brought my nephews to tears when I showed them the jersey," he said. "Forever will be a fan, and root for him, and be in his corner, just like he was for my family."
Martin set up a GoFundMe in Coatney's memory. You can click hereif you would like to donate.
When asked if he was a Bills fan, Martin replied:
"I am now. There's no family like the Bills family man. Nothing like Bills Mafia."
