Prior to the Buffalo Bills 32-29 win over the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium last Saturday, receiver Stefon Diggs sought out a specific fan.
After spotting 5-year-old Aydin Laborde, Diggs walked over and handed the boy a shoebox. Inside were a pair of Bills-themed shoes that featured a hand-painted portrait of Aydin and his late father Nick.
God bless you, @stefondiggs. This is amazing. pic.twitter.com/10Ai5Plo1a
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 26, 2022
Not many know what it’s like to lose they daddy for real. I remember it felt like i lost everything. I had to make myself a man. But it takes a village so be sure to always pay it forward !!! Love that is Merry Christmas lil aydin ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9qc2UmENWK
— DIGGS (@stefondiggs) December 20, 2022
"Diggs managed to put this little light back in Aydin's eyes and a smile too," Aydin's mom Alma Duric told the Bills official website. "He said it was the best day ever and he hasn't said that in so long, so I can't thank Diggs enough."
Diggs and Aydin initially met over the summer during training camp. When the star receiver heard the boy’s father recently passed away from a brain aneurysm, he brought Aydin over the barricade and offered some him words of encouragement. Diggs too lost his father when he was younger.
The two met up again a few days later during the Bills’ Blue and Red scrimmage in which Diggs signed Aydin’s No. 14 jersey and a football that his mother said nobody is allowed to touch because “his friend Diggs signed it.”
.@StefonDiggs’ buddy Aydin, who recently lost his father, was back at practice today for another special moment with 14. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JFUtYRy9R3
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 6, 2022
Now, the pair has had perhaps its most touching meeting yet, as Diggs provided Aydin with a thoughtful gift and a little joy in what has to be a difficult time for his young friend.
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