Athletes in the NFL must constantly train, eat right, recover, and put their bodies through hell in order to stay at the top of their game. Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, must take it a step further and check his glucose level every time he steps onto the field.
Andrews has Type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition where “the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy,” per the Mayo Clinic.
On November 8, the Ravens released a video on X (formerly Twitter), which is now going viral, where Andrews explained his process while on the sidelines.
Mark Andrews is inspiring kids with Type 1 diabetes everywhere 💜
During the Ravens’ 37-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Andrews was on the sidelines checking his blood levels with coaches and teammates when he was asked, “What does that do brother?” Andrews explained, “It checks my blood sugar.”
Andrews was then asked how frequently he needs to monitor his levels.
“Every time I come off the field…If my blood sugar is a little higher, I have to give insulin to bring it down. When it’s low, I take some sugar like Gatorade or some s*** like that.”
Mark Andrews Gives Back to Help Those With Diabetes
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, so it makes sense that the Ravens put the clip out this week. The CDC estimates that about 37.3 million Americans have some form of diabetes.
The clip and “revelation” that Andrews suffers from Type 1 Diabetes seemed to come as a shock to those in the NFL media and some fans alike. Andrews was diagnosed with the condition at age 9 and has learned to live and adapt to it.
Andrews does charity work around Baltimore with children who have diabetes. CBS Baltimore’s Alex Glaze covered one of these outreach events back in July 2023. Andrews was visiting John Hopkins “a camp for children who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.”
The Browns are the toughest tight end matchup this year, allowing only 155 yards and 2 TDs to the position. That’s 100 fewer yards than the next best team.
But Mark Andrews in Week 4 accounted for over half of those yards and both touchdowns. So he should be fine this week.
He said, “I know a lot of them look up to me, but you know, being around them I also look up to them.” Andrews’ goal is to show these children that they do not need to let this diagnosis hold them back.
Andrews does not want to hide the fact that he has diabetes but rather shine a light on it. He goes on to say, “For me, it’s just showing people that I’m not shy about my diabetes…I’m not scared to show people that I am Type 1 diabetic. I’m going to wear it on my sleeve and show people that it doesn’t matter what I have.”
It Has Not & Will Not Stop Andrews From Being a Top TE
Type 1 Diabetes is a deadly condition if not taken care of correctly, but those who have it can learn to live a “normal” lifestyle. One of Andrews’ goals is to prove that, but he has taken it a step further and become an All-Pro tight end.
When talking about his condition Andrews has said, “I am going to persevere and be great.”
Dr. Jesse Morse, who covers fantasy sports from a medical perspective, had this to say: “Mark Andrews is performing at an ELITE level with one of his hands tied behind his back.”
According to Morse, “It affects his energy, focus, healing and so much more.”
Despite all this, Andrews is considered one of the best tight ends in the league. Since entering the league in 2018, Andrews has 377 receptions, 4,790 yards and 40 touchdowns, ranking fourth, third and second respectively among tight ends.
Some more stats about Mark Andrews. According to PFF, since he joined the league in 2018 the tight end is the only player to be in a Top 5 for offensive grades every year, for the Ravens:
2022 – 3rd (80.7)
2021 – 1st (91.5)
2020 – 5th (76.5)
2019 – 3rd (88.5)
2018 – 5th (73.5)…
He has been a Pro Bowler three times, an All-Pro once and is on pace to have another All-Pro-level season in 2023. Andrews is currently the third-ranked tight end by Pro Football Focus, behind only Travis Kelce and George Kittle.
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Ravens’ Mark Andrews Goes Viral in Unexpected Sideline Video