Damar Hamlin Honored Before Bills Game, Watches From Hospital Bed

By Jennifer Pernicano

on Jan 09, 2023

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Damar Hamlin / Twitter

Less than a week after he suffered a cardiac arrest during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin watched their next game in a hospital bed.

This in itself is a miracle, seeing as he was sedated and had a ventilator breathing for him just a few days before.

Hamlin was tackled during a play in the first quarter of the game on Monday night (Jan 2). He got up immediately and then collapsed. He received immediate medical attention by paramedics who administered CPR for several minutes. It’s been reported he was down “for at least 15 minutes.” He was then taken off the field in an ambulance and taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Every night, he showed “remarkable improvements”

On Friday (Jan. 6), Hamlin’s breathing tube was removed and he was able to talk with family, and even Facetimed his teammates. On January 7, Hamlin released his first social media statement.

“Putting love into the world comes back 3xs as much… thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed. This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!” he tweeted.

He continued, “The love is felt, & extremely real. No matter race or religion everybody coming together in prayer!”

Even thought Hamlin was not at the game, his presence was felt, and you could tell the Bills were playing this game for him. They ran on to the field wielding “Pray For Damar” flags.

The Bills ended up winning the game, beating the New England Patriots 35-23 and officially eliminating them from playoffs. But every play of the game felt like the football gods were pulling the strings. Before the game, the entire athletic training and medical staff was honored.

There was also a pregame celebration of Hamlin’s progress and the Bills organization thanked fans for everyone’s support.

One the very first play since Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, the Bills scored on an opening kick return! The Patriots kicked off and the Bill player Nyheim Himes returned it, scoring a 95-yard touchdown.

It turns out it has been 3 years and 3 months since the Bills organization has done this. Hamlin wears number 3 on his jersey.

The Bills dominated the Patriots…and Hines had another kick return touchdown in the third quarter!

Hamlin was live tweeting the game, and his reactions were amazing.

It really was a storybook game. Last game of the regular season. Ending the Patriots’ season, and launching themselves into the playoffs. Watch all the highlights from the game below.

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About the Author

Jennifer Pernicano

Hi! I'm Jen, a Southern California-based country music fan. One of my favorite things to do is go to a country concert and experience the art of storytelling in person. There truly is nothing else like it!

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