Bills Make Me Wanna Give: Dawson Knox makes waves in P.U.N.T.'s fight against pediatric cancer

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Bills tight end Dawson Knox is seen on the football field and even as a pitchman in various commercials, but he's never too busy to help various causes in Western New York, including spending an evening with some children affected by cancer.

"Several years ago, I had a cousin that dealt with a very scary form of cancer, and I saw the effect that had on my family," Knox said. "Thankfully he beat it, but to be able to have a night like this and run around, play some games, have fun — I think it's really important."

Knox's efforts in the community started almost as soon as he was drafted by the Bills in 2019.

"I'm a firm believer that God has blessed everybody with something and one of the best things you can do with that is to bless other people," he said.

Knox quickly became involved with the P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative. Fans flooded P.U.N.T. with donations after the 2022 death of Knox's brother.

"The work that they do day in and day out, it inspires me to be a better person and inspires me to be a better leader," he said.

Knox created a program called Dawson's Locker, which provides direct support to families dealing with childhood cancer.

"Dawson's locker is kind of a direct way that you can give to P.U.N.T.," he said. "There's stuff in there like Tim Hortons gift cards and meal vouchers for the cafeteria, the hospital, and we've been helping people pay for their electric bills."

His various efforts earned Knox this year's Call to Courage Award, presented by former Bills quarterback Frank Reich. Every year, the award is presented to a current NFL player who shows leadership on their team and in their community.

"Not a lot of people know my full story, but being able to share my faith and what that means to me and some of the highs and the lows that I've gone through," Knox said. "I thought it was a really cool breakfast to be able to share that side."