In his first comments on camera since going into cardiac arrest on Monday Night Football on January 2, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin said he would not have made it through the «toughest of times and the toughest of times» without the support from all over the world. .
Immediately after making a tackle on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, Hamlin got to his feet, but immediately collapsed. Medical staff performed CPR on him for more than nine minutes and he left the field in an ambulance after having to be defibrillated.
Hamlin was released from the hospital on January 11 and says he continues to «make great progress in his recovery.»
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Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills stands near the sideline during introductions before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
(Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The 24-year-old has been active on social media, including live-tweeting during several Bills games, but wanted to wait for the «right time» to share a video message.
«Now that my brothers have closed out a strong and winning season, while I continue to make a lot of progress in my recovery, I think it’s finally a good time to share a few things,» he said in a statement. Instagram post on Saturday. «I think it was important for me to wait and speak publicly at the right time, as it was a lot to process within myself mentally, physically and even spiritually, it’s been a lot to process. But I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all the love, all the support and everything that has come to me.
Buffalo Bills fans hold signs in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before the game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York.
(Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)
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«What happened to me at Monday Night Football, I feel is a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share my passion and love straight from my heart with the whole world, and I can give it back to children and communities all over. the world that needs it the most, and that has always been my dream. That has always been what I stood for and what I will continue to stand for.»
He went on to thank the Bills medical staff and the doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, who «acted willingly and skillfully to save my life.»
He also thanked the friends who checked in through text messages and visits, and thanked the football fans for their support.
The scoreboard displays a message of support for Damar Hamlin during the game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York.
(Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)
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«With this thing happening to me, I felt nothing less than love, and it really helped keep me pumped up to get through the toughest of times and toughest times. I really can’t thank you guys enough…
«Just to put team loyalty aside, encourage the life of a child and the humanity of a player who wears Buffalo blue, put humanity above team loyalty, you showed the world unity over division. I’m not surprised by that, but I am deeply grateful. I will be forever grateful and indebted to that…»
«I couldn’t do this without your support and love, and I can’t wait to continue taking you all on this journey with me.»
Damar Hamlin watching the Bills from her hospital bed.
(Credit: @HamlinIsland / SPORTS REPORT+ /TMX)
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Hamlin made an appearance in the Bills’ matchup against the Bengals on Sunday.
She finished her video by making a heart with her hands.
