The last Bills game at Highmark Stadium also featured an unforgettable moment of joy and recognition for Adolph Dupree, a 70-year-old lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, cancer survivor, and longtime Special Olympics New York athlete and coach who has been supported by Lifetime Assistance for many years. Dupree was surprised with Super Bowl tickets on the field during a Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium.
Dupree and his Special Olympics coach, Pat Dadey—Lifetime Assistance’s Coordinator of Recreational Services—were escorted to the field, where Billy Buffalo presented Dupree with two Super Bowl tickets in front of thousands of cheering fans. The surprise was made possible through the NFL’s Super Bowl ticket program, which allows teams to recognize community partners and deserving individuals.
In addition to the tickets, the Buffalo Bills will provide flights and hotel accommodations for Dupree and Dadey, along with a gift card to support meals and transportation during the trip.
“He is the kindest person that I think I’ve ever met,” said Dadey, who has worked closely with Dupree through Lifetime Assistance’s recreational and Special Olympics programming. “Just happy-go-lucky—never seen him in a bad mood. He loves the Bills, loves his family, and loves Special Olympics.”
Dupree has been involved with Special Olympics New York for more than 40 years, participating as both an athlete and coach. Through Lifetime Assistance, he has remained actively engaged in athletics, community events, and advocacy, embodying the agency’s mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, connected lives.
Known for his positivity and unwavering love for the Bills, Dupree is also a devoted fan of quarterback Josh Allen and has been a familiar face at Bills training camp alongside Special Olympics New York.
“Our Community Impact team wanted to create a truly meaningful experience,” said Michelle Roberts, Vice President of Community Impact and Executive Director for the Buffalo Bills Foundation. “When Adolph’s name came up, it was an immediate yes. He’s the sweetest person we’ve ever met, a dedicated Special Olympics athlete, and a lifelong Bills fan. We knew that if we could make this happen, it would be incredibly special—and it was.”
“We are incredibly proud of Adolph and grateful for the strong partnerships that made this possible,” said Bryan O’Donovan, President and CEO of Lifetime Assistance. “This moment reflects the power of inclusion, community, and opportunity, and we are thrilled to see Adolph recognized in such a meaningful way.”
Rochester area Special Olympian Adolph Dupree (center) and his coach Pat Dadey (left) were welcomed on the field at Highmark Stadium, where Billy Buffalo presented Dupree with two tickets to the Super Bowl. Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Bills.
Billy Buffalo presented Adolph Dupree with two tickets to the Super Bowl. Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Bills.
