“From the heart,” Damar Hamlin addresses the public for the first time since his cardiac arrest, shows his gratitude in a heartfelt video

Damar Hamlin shared a six minute video on Instagram thanking everyone who prayed for him.


“From the heart,” Damar Hamlin addresses the public for the first time since his cardiac arrest, shows his gratitude in a heartfelt video

Damar Hamlin (Image via YouTube)

The entire sports community was shaken after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during the Bills-Bengals Week 17 matchup. It was a scene that no one had ever seen in the history of the football that a player had to be administered CPR on the ground to keep him alive.

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The incident occurred when Hamlin was trying to tackle Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who lowered his helmet and pushed him to the ground. Hamlin got up quickly after the tackle but within a few seconds succumbed to the ground and medical professionals had to work on him for 16 minutes in front of the entire Paycor Stadium.

He was quickly transferred to the UC Medical Center for further treatment. Fans from all around the league, NFL athletes, and stars from other sports sent in their prayers and love for Hamlin and his family. He quickly recovered within a week and was back on his feet cheering for his team, which was great news for the entire NFL.

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Damar Hamlin gives his first public message since cardiac arrest

Damar Hamlin (Image via The Wall Street Journal)
Damar Hamlin (Image via The Wall Street Journal)

Hamlin‘s charity GoFundMe which was set up with a $2500 goal, generated over $8.9 million, which fans and players donated to support Hamlin. The 24-year-old has released several videos thanking his fans and the league for their endless support. He was also spotted in a suite at Highmark Stadium cheering the Bills during the divisional playoffs.

Hamlin took to Instagram and talked his heart out to thank a load of fans, league officials, and players who helped and prayed for him as he was fighting for his life since January 2.

“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,” Hamlin said. “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. It’s just been a lot to process, but 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. 

“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. And now I’m able to give it back to kids and communities all across the world who need it the most, and that’s always been my dream. That’s always been what I stood for and what I will continue to stand for.”

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Hamlin went on to thank the hero of the night, Bills’ assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington, who successfully performed CPR on him, which saved his life. He also thanked the first responders, doctors, and staff over at the UC Medical Center and Buffalo General Hospital. Hamlin also gave credit to his mom and dad, who were his anchor and never left his side for a minute. He further gave a huge shout-out to his brothers over at the Buffalo camp, who visited him over at the hospital and donated to his charity.

Hamlin went on to conclude his message by saying that he will continue to do great things and he wouldn’t be where he is right now without the love and support of everyone. He made his now iconic hearts with hands gesture and ended the heartfelt message.

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