Tony Steward and his future wife, Brittany Burns, met while attending Clemson University, where they both majored in parks, recreation and tourism management. Steward was drafted to the Buffalo Bills in the sixth last season and appeared in seven games.
Just two months ago Brittany, who is 26, received the shocking news that she had ovarian cancer. Days later Tony Steward proposed to her. Together they created the Fight Like a Girl campaign to help raise money and awareness of ovarian cancer.
Unfortunately Tony and Brittany never got the opportunity to walk down the aisle. On Tuesday, Steward announced in a touching Instagram post that his fiancee lost her battle to the disease. “Brittany Ann Steward! Wow BEAUTIFUL is the only way I know you,” Steward wrote. “You have the biggest heart I have ever seen in my entire life and I promise you that it will live on in me, our family and every single soul you have touched. You are the strongest and most loving soul to step foot in this world. You have been my rock, my motivation, my heart, my soulmate, my everything since the day I laid eyes on you. Every single day of your life you have been a fighter and I know this because of the unbelievable family you brought me into. We will all honor everything you stand for in life. I will continue to be the person that you always bring out in me. Believe me when I say that I deeply love you with every ounce of everything in me. Love always, Your Fiancé”
The Bills also released a statement regarding Brittany’s death. “The Buffalo Bills are saddened to learn about the passing of Brittany Burns, the fiancée of linebacker Tony Steward,” the team said in a statement. “From the day Brittany arrived in Buffalo with Tony, she was an active member in the community through the Buffalo Bills Women’s Association. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Steward and the family of Brittany Burns during this most difficult time.”
Condolences to Tony and Brittany’s families.
