Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin made his first remarks on video Saturday evening since going into cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game earlier this month.
Hamlin collapsed with about six minutes left in the first quarter during the game against Cincinnati after he tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins following a 13-yard catch. After the tackle, Hamlin stood up, took a step backward, and fell to the ground.
Hamlin received CPR on the field and once at the hospital, where he stayed in critical condition for several days.
“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 in a video that he posted to Instagram. “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 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 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’ll continue to stand for.”
Hamlin thanked a long list of people who helped save his life following the incident.
“Ever since I became a Buffalo Bill, it’s been nothing but genuine love and support. Not even only for me, but everyone’s situation,” Hamlin said. “No matter what it was, Bills Mafia jumped behind it and gave 110% support, love, no matter the situation. With this happening to me, I didn’t feel anything short of the love. And it really helped me stay encouraged to get through the toughest moments and the toughest times. I really can’t thank you enough.”
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