SUBJECTS: Logan, Coleman, Bracelets, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo, Charity, Friendship, Training Camp
PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Logan Bittner could not have foreseen that the two friendship bracelets he crafted and enclosed in a welcoming letter to Buffalo receiver Keon Coleman in May would capture the attention of the Bills rookie. Fast forward three months, Coleman is still donning one of the bracelets during practice, while his agent possesses the other one. At training camp on Tuesday, the receiver had the opportunity to express his gratitude to his young supporter.
Expressing his excitement to meet Logan, Coleman greeted him, shook his hand, and presented him with a gift basket, which included tickets to the Buffalo Bills’ season opener against Arizona on Sept. 8. After thanking Coleman and capturing a photo with him, Logan had the receiver sign his No. 0 Coleman jersey.
What began as an activity for Logan to enhance his handwriting abilities and showcase his creativity has now led to recognition for his act of kindness. Logan’s letter in May, which not only included suggestions on where to find the best pizza and chocolate chip cookies in Buffalo but also his creation of friendship bracelets to spread love among players, has garnered attention. Images of Coleman wearing the bracelets at the NFL Players Association’s rookie photo shoot in Los Angeles in mid-May sparked a surge in demands for Logan’s bracelets among Bills fans.
Collaborating with Buffalo-based 26 Shirts, the Bittner family is selling the bracelets at $8 each, with $5 from every sale being donated to Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. With the help of his mother, Krystle, Logan spends approximately 10 minutes to craft each bracelet, which spell out “Mafia” (a moniker for Bills fans) and feature beads in the team’s colors of red, white, and blue.
The founder of 26 Shirts, Del Reid, expressed admiration for Logan’s dedication to the cause. More than 1,300 bracelets have been made, and the proceeds have surpassed $5,000, with the majority going to charity.
Upon meeting Coleman, Logan, who began distributing bracelets at training camp last year, shared his joy: “It was super amazing, because I wasn’t expecting going on the field and the present.”
Colin, Logan’s father, revealed that the idea to create bracelets stemmed from the support shown for Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who made a remarkable recovery after experiencing cardiac arrest during a game in January 2023 and advocating for love and kindness.
Logan’s teacher acknowledged his improvement in handwriting due to his bracelet-making endeavors, a skill that shone through in the thank-you card he gave to Coleman this week.
The heartwarming exchange between Logan and Coleman left a lasting impression on both families, with Colin expressing his astonishment at the unexpected turn of events: “It’s definitely an amazing moment for us and (Logan) especially.”
Looking ahead to the future, Logan is excited for more bracelet-making tasks and a confident prediction for the upcoming game: “Yeah, I’m going to the Cardinals game. And we’re going to win.”