Buffalo Bills rookie Ray Davis reflects on the brotherly bond that changed his life

You May Be Interested In:A.P. Minister urges medical fraternity to strengthen healthcare in government hospitals


Buffalo, New York — Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis took to the field on Dec. 1 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, and made a beeline for Patrick Dowley.

For the Bills’ Sunday Night Football tilt against the San Francisco 49ers, Davis wore a picture on his cleats paying tribute to the day he first met Dowley about 17 years ago.  

“He looked right at me, and he pointed, and he said, ‘Are you Patrick?'” Dowley told CBS News of their first meeting. “I said, ‘Yes I am.’ And he’s like, “Man, you don’t even know how long I’ve been waiting to meet you.'”

Buffalo Bills rookie Ray Davis reflects on the brotherly bond that changed his life
Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis’ cleats ahead of a game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 1, 2024, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The cleats show Davis with Patrick Dowley, his Big Brother.  

CBS News


In 2007, Davis was 8 years old and living in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district when he saw a flyer for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

At times in his youth, Davis was homeless. He says his parents were in and out of his life and he was craving stability. So he signed up for a Big Brother.

“I just needed love, man,” Davis said. “I needed consistency. I needed somebody who was going to be there to teach me right from wrong.” 

And that person was Dowley.

“That will forever be my Big Brother,” Davis said.

They spent countless Sundays together. From those early Pop Warner football games, through Dowley’s wedding, Davis became like part of the family.

And although he has always been grateful, until this week, Davis hadn’t been in a position to fully show his gratitude quite like he was on Sunday, when the Bills honored Dowley in a pregame ceremony.

Bills rookie Ray Davis reflects on the brotherly bond that changed his life
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis greets Patrick Dowley at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, ahead of the Bills game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 1, 2024. 

CBS News


And then, for good measure, Davis even ran in a touchdown for his Big Brother in the Bills 35-10 win over the Niners. The cherry on top of all those Sundays.

“To all the people out there that have ever considered doing it, it’s not that difficult,” Dowley said of being a Big Brother or Big Sister. “Don’t overthink what it takes to make a difference in a kid’s life.”

Ray Davis
Ray Davis of the Buffalo Bills dives into the endzone for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024, in Orchard Park, New York.

Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images


share Paylaş facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Former Louisiana congressman on New Orleans truck attack
Former Louisiana congressman on New Orleans truck attack
Judge moves to slash $38 million verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case
Judge moves to slash $38 million verdict in New Hampshire youth center abuse case
Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMA Awards but Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMA Awards but Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Michigan is paying $13M after shooter drill terrified psychiatric hospital for kids
Houston firefighters rescue dog stranded on bridge pier in chilly water
World famous grizzly bear fatally struck in Wyoming had yearling cub with her
World famous grizzly bear fatally struck in Wyoming had yearling cub with her
US agency for African development will ask court to prevent its closure
US agency for African development will ask court to prevent its closure
Vista News | © 2024 | News