Former Buffalo Bills cornerback Ron Brooks had to sell his NFL game jerseys after his family hit hard times a few years ago, and now fans are rallying behind the five-year NFL veteran.
His wife, Megan Jones-Brooks, asked his college (LSU) and two NFL teams (the Bills and Philadelphia Eagles) for replica jerseys to gift him for his birthday, and the one from the Bills arrived first.
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She posted the surprise on social media and the post quickly went viral, with fans reacting to the heartwarming gift and showing love to the family for overcoming their struggles.
Bills Fans Rally Behind Ron Brooks After Wife’s Heartwarming Jersey Surprise
“My husband used to play in the NFL. LIFE hit us hard a few years ago and he had to sell his game jerseys. I reached out to his college and 2 NFL teams to get him replicas for his birthday. The first jersey came in today. Thank you Buffalo Bills,” Megan wrote on Threads, adding that Brooks is “forever my #33.”
In the video, Ron is shocked as he opens the replica jersey, and he asks her how she got it.
Brooks played in 53 games at LSU, returning all three of his career interceptions for touchdowns. The Bills then drafted him in the fourth round (No. 124 overall) in 2012.
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After the post went viral, people started offering to help. One person shared a photo of one of Ron’s game-worn Bills jerseys and offered to put the family in touch with the jersey’s current owner. Someone from the NFLPA’s former-player-benefits department also reached out and offered to “go over the resources he has access to as a former NFL player.”
Ron’s wife posted the following update: “First, THANK YOU for all the love! 🖤 I never imagined this post would touch so many people. Reading through your comments, feeling the love, and seeing how emotional some of you became genuinely touched our hearts. We appreciate every kind word, shared memory, and message more than you know. Ron says THANK YOU! ❤️ I also want to share that life has been GOOD to us. Over the years, things have gotten better, our kids are thriving, and we are incredibly blessed.”
Many fans were touched by the heartwarming, feel-good story.
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“Once a Bill Always a Bill ❤️🤍💙” one fan wrote.
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“Have loved the responses to this too, which include (Bills) Mafia trying to get him a game worn jersey back,” one Bills fan wrote. “Once you’re in the Mafia, you’re in.”
“Forever a Buffalo Bill,” another fan added. “Dude was a good player.”
Brooks appeared in 47 games over four seasons with the Bills. He had a brief stint with the Eagles in 2016, starting five of his six games with the team before rupturing his right quadriceps tendon. Philadelphia released him on Aug. 30, 2017, months after he cut his salary from $1.85 million to $1 million. He finished his NFL career with 88 total tackles across 53 games and approximately $3,995,482 in career earnings.
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“Football money ain’t NBA MLB money… people need to understand,” one fan wrote.
“This is awesome. Had the privilege of training at IMG Academy w Ron. One of the coolest dudes around. Handled business. Always pleasant. Freakishly fast. Hope everything turns out well for him,” wrote former wide receiver Chris Manno.
Several fans praised Megan for staying by his side even when things got difficult and surprising him with such a thoughtful birthday gift.
“Man a good wife who stays down when your down is worth her weight in gold,” one fan wrote.
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“This man is married to a good woman,” another wrote. “That’s the kind of rich money can’t buy.”
Ron turns 38 years old on Oct. 16, and the hope is that he’ll have all three replica jerseys (and potentially some game-worn jerseys) by his birthday. Many fans have been tagging LSU to ensure that the Tigers also send their alum some gear.
“33 forever, some things transcend the game,” one fan summed up.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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