“As a former NFL player, I personally have experienced being hit so hard, I was knocked out momentarily on the field,” Gray said. “When Damar Hamlin went down I knew something was deeply wrong. My heart immediately dropped. Football is a violent sport, but when something like this happens, you’re just devastated. As a pastor, horrific moments like this remind us of our great need for God’s grace. I was moved seeing the Bengals and Bills players pray and call on Jesus to intervene.”
Others Reaction to Hamlin’s Injury
Current and former NFL players, along with others, reacted to Hamlin’s injury by sharing that they were praying for the young athlete.
Chris Pronger, retired NHL player who suffered a similar injury, said he was praying and hoping Hamlin’s outcome would be the same as his. “Prayers that Damar Hamlin can have the same outcome that I was fortunate to have with my incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Damar, his family, teammates and the greater NFL community during this incredibly scary time. 🙏🏻”
Pronger shared that his incident happened during a game two playoff game and was cleared to play in game 3. “Incident happened in Game 2. I was cleared to play in Game 3 after wearing a heart monitor for 24 hrs and running a battery of tests on my heart”
Ben Roethlisberger, future Hall of Fame quarterback and recent retiree, posted, “Prayers for Bills safety Damar Hamlin, his family and loved ones. 🙏”
Bills tight end Dawson Knox said, “Prayer is real, and it’s powerful. Constantly praying for Damar and his family.”
Benjamin Watson, former Super Bowl winning tight end, shared, “Both the Bills and Bengals have strong spiritual leadership among players and chaplain. Pray for them as they minister, encourage and comfort while enduring this moment themselves. Pray for supernatural strength and wisdom.”
Bills’ quarterback and team captain Josh Allen urged his followers to “please pray for our brother.”
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Outspoken Christian and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins posted, “Praying for Damar Hamlin and his family.”
Grammy winning Christian musician Kirk Franklin said, “Lord, please be with Damar Hamlin, his team, and his family…my heart hurts in this moment for him.”
“Please join me in prayer for Damar Hamlin 🙏,” Tim Tebow posted.
Evangelist Franklin Graham said, “The @BuffaloBills know who to call out to for help! The team dropped to their knees in a circle of prayer after Damar Hamlin was taken away via ambulance. They knew that he needed help that only God can give. Today, millions of people continue to pray for him—and I’m one of them.”
Prestonwood Baptist Church lead pastor Jack Graham, who is currently leading a trip in Israel, said, “Hearing the word as we’re getting up in Israel of the tragic cardiac arrest of the Bills Damar Hamlin. Our group is joining the multitudes praying for him and his family. Here at the Garden Tomb we have a living hope in the Risen Redeemer.”
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Worship leader Sean Feucht posted, “Praying for Damar Hamlin. 🙏🏽 Fighting for his life inside the ambulance. The players praying on the field was a powerful sign. Healing in Jesus name.”
Ohio native and Skillet guitarist Seth Morrison shared, “Prayers for Damar Hamlin, his family and everyone involved. No idea what happened but God be with everyone looking after him.”
