Baltimore Ravens star Mark Andrews holds special camp dedicated to supporting young athletes living with diabetes.
Mark Andrews, the standout tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, has never let type 1 diabetes define or limit him. Diagnosed at the age of nine, Andrews has grown into one of the most dominant players in the NFL, all while managing a condition that requires constant monitoring and care. This summer, the three-time Pro Bowler took a powerful step beyond the field by hosting a special camp tailored specifically for young athletes who, like him, live with diabetes. The event was more than just drills and scrimmages—it was a transformative experience of inspiration, empowerment, and community.
The camp, held at a local facility just outside of Baltimore, gathered dozens of kids from across the country who face the daily challenges of managing blood sugar levels while pursuing their athletic dreams. These young participants, some newly diagnosed and others seasoned in their routines, arrived with excitement and curiosity. For many, it was their first time meeting someone else their age with the same condition, let alone spending the day learning from a professional athlete who manages diabetes at the highest level of competition.
Andrews’ motivation to create such a camp stems from his own childhood. Growing up in Arizona, he remembers feeling isolated and different. Sports became both a refuge and a challenge. He had to learn how to balance adrenaline-filled games with blood glucose crashes, how to inject insulin on the sidelines, and how to educate coaches and teammates about a disease they often didn’t understand. Over the years, he’s developed a system that works for him—relying on a continuous glucose monitor, quick-acting insulin, and an unbreakable mental toughness. But he never forgot how hard it was at the beginning. That empathy is what drives him to give back now.
At the camp, kids were not only put through their paces with traditional football activities—such as agility drills, passing routes, and team scrimmages—but also participated in breakout sessions focused on diabetes management. Certified diabetes educators were on hand to lead discussions, offer tips on nutrition and insulin timing, and provide emotional support. Andrews himself participated in each discussion, answering questions about how he handles game-day pressures, what he eats before practices, and how he recovers after games. His openness encouraged campers to be vulnerable about their own experiences.
Throughout the day, the theme of resilience resonated deeply. Andrews spoke candidly about the highs and lows he has faced, from dealing with blood sugar crashes in the middle of games to the anxiety that comes with unpredictable glucose swings. He reminded the campers that diabetes is a part of them, but not all of them. That message landed powerfully with 13-year-old Jayden from Pennsylvania, who said he had considered quitting football after being diagnosed last year. “Seeing Mark talk about how he made it work… it made me feel like I could do it too,” he said.
Parents were also invited to attend and found tremendous value in the experience. Many shared stories about the fear they felt when their child was first diagnosed, especially regarding the safety of playing sports. Watching their kids compete, smile, and connect with others offered a much-needed sense of hope. One mother remarked that this was the first time she had seen her son truly excited about his condition—not because he wanted it, but because he realized he wasn’t alone. For families who often feel like they are navigating this journey solo, that sense of belonging is invaluable.
The camp also featured appearances from medical professionals who partner with Andrews on his advocacy work. Representatives from diabetes tech companies showcased the latest in wearable devices, from continuous glucose monitors to smart insulin pens. There were also booths where campers could test out devices, learn about future advancements, and receive free supplies. Andrews made it a priority to ensure that no camper left without something tangible—whether that was new gear, better information, or a stronger belief in themselves.
One particularly touching moment came near the end of the camp, when Andrews gathered the kids in a circle and told the story of a game during his rookie season when he had to excuse himself mid-drive because his glucose levels were dangerously low. He described how he had to drink a sugary beverage, wait for it to kick in, and then return to the field—only to catch a touchdown pass minutes later. The point of the story, he emphasized, wasn’t the touchdown. It was that even in moments when his body was struggling, he trusted himself, relied on his tools, and refused to quit. The kids hung on every word, many of them nodding in understanding. They knew that story not just from the headlines, but from their own lives.
As the camp wrapped up, each participant received a certificate signed by Andrews, personalized with a note of encouragement. He stayed to take photos, sign autographs, and give hugs. It was clear this wasn’t just an obligation for him—it was a mission. The smiles on the faces of those campers, the confidence in their posture, and the friendships they formed over the course of the day were proof that the event had achieved something special.
Mark Andrews’ camp is part of a broader initiative he’s launching to support children with diabetes through sports and education. He’s working on developing a foundation that will host more events, provide scholarships for diabetic athletes, and offer resources to schools and coaches. His vision is bold: to normalize type 1 diabetes in athletics, erase stigma, and ensure that no kid has to give up their dreams because of a diagnosis.
His leadership has already drawn attention from both the NFL and the broader diabetes community. Advocates praise him for being a visible and vocal example of what’s possible. In a league where toughness is valued, Andrews has redefined what it means to be strong—not just by breaking tackles or hauling in touchdowns, but by being transparent, compassionate, and willing to uplift others.
The camp may have lasted only a day, but its impact will linger for much longer. Young athletes left not just with better football skills, but with a renewed sense of agency. They now know that they are not defined by a number on a glucose meter. They know they belong on the field, and they have someone in their corner who’s living proof of what they can achieve.
Andrews’ work also serves as a reminder to the rest of the sports world about the importance of inclusion and awareness. Diabetes doesn’t disqualify someone from greatness. With the right tools, mindset, and support, athletes with diabetes can perform at elite levels. The more role models like Andrews step forward, the more doors will open for the next generation.
For the Ravens star, it all comes back to purpose. Football has given him a platform, and he’s determined to use it. Not just to catch passes and win games, but to make a lasting difference in the lives of kids who, like him, once wondered if they’d ever get to live out their dreams. In doing so, Mark Andrews is proving that courage, heart, and perseverance are what truly make a champion—on and off the field.
