How cats helped Bills kicker Tyler Bass after playoff disappointment

While the quarterback position may be the toughest in all of sports, it’s hard to argue that kickers aren’t under the most pressure. Even if a QB gets his team in field-goal range to win or tie a game, it’s up to the kicker to actually deliver.  

NFL history is full of players who failed to deliver, and Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass is just one of the more recent examples. In the divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs last season, Bass missed a 44-yard field goal that would’ve tied the game, allowing the Chiefs to run out the clock for the victory.

Perhaps not too surprising, Bass was then severely ridiculed and even threatened on social media, and he ended up deleting his accounts. However, many people in and around Buffalo — and not just Bills fans — rallied around Bass, and it was all spurred on by cats, according to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg.

In January, Bass was part of a campaign by the Ten Lives Club, a non-profit aimed at saving unwanted cats and finding them homes. When the organization learned about the abuse he was getting online, it sent out a Facebook message calling for an end to the bullying.

“Tyler doesn't deserve any of the hate he's receiving,” the post read. “He's an excellent football player and an even better person who took the time to help our organization and rescue cats last year. Leave our friend alone.”

Even better, the post was shared over 2,000 times and resulted in more than $53,000 raised for the shelter. Thousands of people sent in donations, including supporters of other teams and even Taylor Swift fans. Even folks who aren’t crazy about cats but love Bass gave money, and more than $400,000 was raised on his behalf.

While Bass took a hiatus from social media, he eventually returned and was eager to show his thanks for the support he received. An Instagram post from February said in part:

“The toughest moments teach you the best lessons in life. The love and support shown from my teammates, Bills Mafia, and [Ten Lives Club] is something I will never forget and always cherish!”

Even before all of the attention the Ten Lives Club received because of Bass, it was working to create a new facility. Thanks in large part to the awareness he brought, it now has extra resources that can help a lot more animals.

And what will be the name of this facility? The Tyler Bass Cat Adoption Center.