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Damar Hamlin is breaking his silence.
The Buffalo Bills defensive back is speaking publicly for the first time since suffering cardiac arrest on the field during a Monday Night Football game between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals on January 2.
Hamlin provided a health update and gave spoke about his recovery, while specifically thanking the Bills Mafia, the medical professionals who helped save his life, the city of Cincinnati and the Bengals, the entire Bills organization, and all of the fans across the NFL who donated to his foundation and toy drive.
“I’m so thankful to everybody, I know that it isn’t enough just to be thankful,” Hamlin said. “This is just the beginning of the impact that I wanted to have on the world. And with God’s guidance, I will continue to do wonderful and great things.
“I couldn’t do this without any of the support and the love and I can’t wait to continue to take you all on this journey with me.”
A special message from our guy @HamlinIsland. ❤️💙#LoveForDamar | #ForDamar pic.twitter.com/YF28bzeLJA
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 28, 2023
“What happened to me on Monday Night Football, I feel, is a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share my passion and my love directly from my heart with the entire world,” Hamlin said. “And now I’m able to give it back to kids and communities all across the world who need it the most. That’s always been my dream, that’s always been what I’ve stood for and what I will continue to stand for.”
He continued, “Ever since I became a Buffalo Bill, it’s been nothing but genuine love and support. Not even only for me, but everyone’s situation. No matter what it was, Bills Mafia jumped behind it and gave 110% support, love, no matter the situation. With this happening to me, I didn’t feel anything short of the love. And it really helped me stay encouraged to get through the toughest moments and the toughest times. I really can’t thank you enough.”
Hamlin also praised everyone who came together to pray for his recovery and showed their support.
“You put humanity above team loyalty. You showed the world unity over division,” Hamlin said. “I am not surprised by it, but I am deeply grateful and I will be forever thankful and indebted to that.”
“This is just the beginning of the impact that I wanted to have on the world,” Hamlin said in closing. “And with God’s guidance, I will continue to do wonderful and great things. I couldn’t do this without any of the support and the love, and I can’t wait to continue to take you all on this journey with me.”
This is the kind of update that everyone was hoping for, and it’s great to see that Hamlin is in good spirits and continuing to recover from his near-fatal injury. It was a moment that reminded us all this is much more than a game, and coming together can make a big impact on the world.
