NFL's Josh Allen surprised kids at a Buffalo hospital. Their thank-you message showed why he’s the real MVP

Helping those in need is one of the greatest acts of service to restore faith in humanity. Amidst all professional achievements, the journey to becoming a better human begins with being welcoming to others. Reflecting a similar sentiment, Josh Allen may have been celebrated for his brilliant performance and awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024 NFL season. But for his fans, he was—and always will be—their true real-life MVP, no matter what. A widely circulating video shared by ESPN (@espn on TikTok) showed the Buffalo Bills quarterback teary-eyed as he reacted to heartfelt congratulatory messages from some of his young admirers. The supporters, mostly from Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo, lauded their “superhero” for the love and kindness he showed them during his last visit to the healthcare center.

The footage began with the fans greeting their “favorite” footballer before congratulating him on winning the prestigious NFL award. Notably, in what was described as a tight contest, the 28-year-old quarterback ultimately received more votes than two-time MVP winner Lamar Jackson, as reported by the Associated Press. Among his young supporters being treated at Oishei Children's Hospital were the Brown twins—Blake, Sloane, Abbie—and many more. While congratulating their idol, these children delivered a powerful message: to never lose hope in life, even when the winds are blowing in the opposite direction. Among others, a teenage fan, Maeve Garvey, was heard reading out a strongly worded email that she intended to send to the football administrators. "Dear Josh Allen, you're pretty cool. And if you don't win the MVP, then the NFL will be getting a strongly worded email from me," remarked the young supporter.

“Thank you for, like, always helping the hospital,” said another, bringing a smile to the American athlete’s face. One more fan appeared in the heartwarming footage, someone who shares a special connection with the Buffalo Bills quarterback, who recorded 28 touchdowns and 3,731 yards this season. “Hi, you remember me?” the teenage girl asked Josh, before sharing an anecdote from her not-so-easy life due to health-related complications. “I gave you my bracelet two years ago and you wore it the whole season,” she recalled in the nearly two-minute video. One more youthful fan, who was facing a similar situation, shared how Josh’s timely visit turned out to be a major milestone in their recovery.

“You might recognize me from designing your cleats. In 2023, I was at Oishei Children's Hospital on the 10th floor of the Patricia Allen way. And, every night I would see your picture on the wall. I'd always think, what if I met Josh Allen?” he said. The young fans went on to describe their idol as someone who inspired them to emerge victorious from the difficult circumstances. “You are more than just our quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. You are a symbol of hope and determination for all of us kids who have gone down the halls of the Patricia Allen way. My sisters are treated here. Your humble spirit really brings us out to our faces while watching the game. You'll always be an MVP both on and off the field,” they said.

While thanking his fans, the footballer acknowledged: “My job's not that hard. I play football. What you guys have to go through and continue to fight through is much harder than I do when I look up to you as much as you look up to me.” His endearing reaction managed to draw widespread attention on social media. “The fact that he was remembering the kids names when he saw their faces says a lot,” @ok.bish heaped praises on Josh. “Are we all crying or is it just me?” @talerlashae asked.