ORCHARD PARK, NY –
Damar Hamlin released a video on Saturday in which he said he was grateful for the overwhelming support and vowed to give back, marking the first time the safety of the Buffalo Bills has been publicly voiced. since he went into cardiac arrest and needed resuscitation on the field last year. Cincinnati on January 2.
Noting that he continues to make “a lot of progress” in his recovery, Hamlin said now is the “right time” to speak since the Bills season is over and because he needs time to recover and gather your thoughts.
“There are so many things to deal with within myself – mentally, physically, even mentally. It’s just a lot to handle, he said. “But I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the love, support and everything that is coming my way.”
Hamlin later said he was at peace with what happened on the pitch as he collapsed after making what appeared to be a routine tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins , who hit Hamlin in the chest.
“What happened to me on Monday Night Football, I feel is a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share passion and love directly. from my heart to the whole world,” he said.
“And now I can bring it to children and communities around the world who need it most. And that has always been my dream,” he added. “That’s always what I stand for and what I will continue to stand for.”
Hamlin seemed to have no trouble speaking in the five-and-a-half-minute video titled: “Thank you: A Message from Damar Hamlin” posted on his Instagram account.
The video opens with Hamlin walking into view, putting down a coat, and taking a seat in what appears to be one of the Bills meeting rooms. The room was dimly lit with the word ‘Bills’ prominently displayed behind him.
Hamlin is wearing a white T-shirt with the name of his charity, Chasing Millions, on the front and a gold chain with the initials “DM” around his neck.
The Bills did not immediately respond to an announcement about when or where the video was shot.
On January 20, Hamlin’s marketing representative, Jordon Rooney, said the 24-year-old faced a lengthy recovery while at the time still required oxygen and regular heart monitoring to keep him under control. Make sure there aren’t any obstacles.
Hamlin has been recovering at home since being discharged on January 11 to continue his rehabilitation with the Bills. He then began to regularly visit the team’s facility and was fit enough to attend the Bills’ end-of-season 27-10 loss to the Bengals in a knockout tie between the teams last weekend.
Hamlin spent most of the video thanking him and listing his family, teammates, coaching staff, and medical staff at both the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and the Medical Center. Buffalo General Hospital, where he bid farewell to his recovery.
He thanked the Bengals and players from across the league for their support by “putting team loyalty aside.”
“You put humanity above team loyalty. You have shown the world that unity overcomes division,” Hamlin said. “I’m not surprised by it, but I am incredibly grateful and I will forever be grateful and indebted to it.”
He also thanked those who have donated more than $9 million to his charity over the past four weeks.
“Although I am very grateful to everyone, I know that just being grateful is not enough. This is just the beginning of the impact I want to have on the world,” Hamlin said at the end of the video by making a heart sign with his hand.
“I could not have done this without any support and love,” he continued. “And I can’t wait to continue taking you on this journey with me.”
