Jay Withey, a local man from Buffalo, New York, recently made headlines for his heroic actions during the deadly snowstorm that hit the city last month. Withey, who is now known as “Merry Christmas, Jay,” rescued 24 people from the blizzard’s harsh conditions. 

On Friday, he was surprised with Super Bowl tickets by none other than Buffalo Bills legend, Thurman Thomas and his wife Patti. The tickets were presented on behalf of the Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and will allow Withey to attend next month’s Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona.

During the Christmas Eve blizzard, Jay Withey found himself seeking shelter from the harsh conditions. He had spent the night sleeping in his truck with two strangers, just trying to survive. In his search for safety, he broke a window of a school to gain entry. But instead of staying inside and warming up, he ventured back out into the storm. 

He worked tirelessly to rescue others in need, including seven elderly people who were stranded in their cars. He brought them all to the safety of the school. His selfless actions earned him the nickname “Merry Christmas, Jay,” after he left a note explaining his actions and apologized for breaking the window.

In a letter left behind, Jay Withey expressed his remorse for breaking the school window and entering the kitchen. He wrote, “To whom it may concern, I’m terribly sorry about breaking the school window and for breaking in the kitchen. Got stuck at 8 p.m. Friday and slept in my truck with two strangers just trying not to die. There were seven elderly people also stuck and out of fuel. I had to do it to save everyone and get them shelter and food and a bathroom. Merry Christmas.” He signed the note simply, “Jay.”

The Cheektowaga Police Department later shared the letter on social media, along with images of Jay Withey. In the post, they stated that they would like to find him to thank him for his heroic actions that saved people’s lives.

After receiving the Super Bowl tickets, Withey said he was amazed by the outpouring of support from people all over the world. He said he has been inundated with messages of gratitude, including thank you letters from as far away as Australia.