Speaking “From the Heart,” Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is thanking people for their assistance, prayers, donations, and love following his on-field medical emergency Jan. 2. In a video posted to Instagram Jan. 29, the 24-year-old says he’ll “continue to keep making this world a better place,’ with “God using me as a vessel.”
Although Hamlin has posted words of gratitude on social media, the video contains his first public remarks since collapsing during a Monday night game in Cincinnati. As the athlete received CPR on the field and was rushed to a hospital, players and fans across the nation prayed for God to spare his life.
Damar Hamlin Thanks People For Love, Support
“Now that my brothers have closed out a strong winning season, as I continue to make so much progress recovering, I think it’s finally a good time to share a few things,” Damar Hamlin begins. “I think it was important for me to wait and speak publicly at the right time, as it was just a lot to process within my own self, mentally, physically, even spiritually. I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of all the love, all the support and everything that’s just been coming in my way.”
Hamlin names a long list of people who helped him “get back to this moment,” from team personnel and first responders to hospital staff and family members. Parents Mario and Nina are his “anchors,” he says, and his brother Damir is “my reason why I strive to be my best self.”
Speaking to Buffalo fans, known as the Bills Mafia, Hamlin acknowledges their “genuine love and support,” which “really helped me stay encouraged to get through the toughest moments.” To teammates, he expresses gratitude that they’ve “made it a priority to lift me up spiritually, mentally, and in every way possible.”
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The second-year safety thanks the NFL for putting “humanity above team loyalty” and for displaying “unity over division.” To children who’ve been sending him letters and gifts, Hamlin says they’ve “inspired me to keep dreaming big, and just continue to keep making this world a better place.” He also thanks people for donating more than $9 million this month to his Chasing M’s foundation.
Damar Hamlin Cites ‘Direct Example of God Using Me’
Hamlin—who faces a “lengthy recovery,” according to a spokesman—doesn’t address his future as a pro athlete. But he says he’s “so excited for the things that I have planned in the future for these kids—all across the country now.”
Hamlin’s foundation has sponsored events such as toy drives and camps. Helping kids in need has “always been my dream, that’s always been what I stood for and what I’ll continue to stand for,” he promises.
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