MIAMI (WKBW) — A Buffalo Bills fan who lives in Miami, Florida, goes by the nickname "Stat Man Sam."
You might recognize him from social media videos shared by his teacher Mary Crippen that have gone viral.
Ms. Crippen is known for incorporating football into her class lessons.
Sam is known for his math skills, knowledge of football stats and love for the Bills.
Sam and his classmates each sent a letter to their favorite football team. Sam received a return letter from the Bills and much more.
Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins recorded a video as a surprise for Sam and his classmates and the Bills sent him, his classmates and his teacher a gift package filled with Bills merchandise.
I spoke with Sam and Ms. Crippen on Monday afternoon. She told me this was a great lesson for her students.
"The lessons that we learn from the game go way beyond the gridiron. I think that we can all connect to the game on so many levels and this is showing them that this is not just football. It's so much more and we can really come together as a community over this game," Crippen said.
Ms. Crippen pointed out to students that it was important to note how the Bills showed kindness to her classroom and sent them merchandise even though her class has more Miami Dolphins fans.
"The Buffalo Bills know where my loyalty lies, they still showed kindness to Sam, to all of you and to me, saying it doesn't matter what team you root for, we want to show you kindness," Ms. Crippen said.
Of course, no conversation with Stat Man Sam would be complete without some stats!
Here is his recap from Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts:
"The most passing yards was Josh Allen; 280 yards. The most receiving yards were Mack Hollins with 86. The most rushing yards was James Cook was 50 yards, I think," Sam shared with me.
In the interview, Sam also shared how Ms. Crippen is "the best teacher" and is grateful to have her and to learn from her.
Crippen told me Sam became a Bills fan thanks to his dad who grew up in Rochester.
