Recovering Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin shared a game day message for his team — just hours before they were set to play the New England Patriots in their first game since his terrifying injury.
Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after a tackle during last Monday’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals, scaring players and fans alike when first responders performed CPR on the field before rushing Hamlin to a nearby hospital.
But in the days since, Hamlin has reportedly made remarkable progress — and by Sunday morning, he was tweeting messages to his teammates.
The Buffalo Bills changed its Twitter photo to a number three in Hamlin’s honor. The team shared video of quarterback Josh Allen sporting Hamlin’s number on a blue baseball cap and a white sweatshirt as he walked by, giving a thumbs-up to the camera.
“That’s my quarterback,” Hamlin tweeted, sharing the video.
That’s My Quarterback 🥹🫶🏾. https://t.co/NALlJK8tCg
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) January 8, 2023
Allen warmed up on Sunday wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words: “Love for Damar” and the number three.
Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images
The injured safety followed that with a video of his own, saying that he wanted nothing more than to be out on the field with his team for the game.
“GameDay. Nothing I Want More Than To Be Running Out That Tunnel With My Brothers. God Using Me In A Different Way Today. Tell Someone You Love Them Today! Let’s go @BuffaloBills,” he captioned the video.
GameDay.. Nothing I Want More Than To Be Running Out That Tunnel With My Brothers. God Using Me In A Different Way Today. Tell Someone You Love Them Today! 🫶🏾3️⃣ let’s go @BuffaloBills ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/XgA7S3Bpvn
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) January 8, 2023
The entire team has rallied around Hamlin, following him to the hospital after he was rushed away from Monday’s game and praying for his recovery in the days since.
On Saturday afternoon, when the team normally would have posted a pregame hype video, the Bills opted instead to post a Damar Hamlin hype video. “Sending all our love to you,” the caption read.
Sending all our love to you, @HamlinIsland. ❤️💙#LoveForDamar | #ForDamar pic.twitter.com/Frh92lK1Gn
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2023
Player after player ditched their own numbers to wear a number three in Hamlin’s honor instead — and the team shared photos of them. They even stated that Sunday’s game was being played for their fallen brother. “Today is for 3,” one game-day post read.
Today is for 3.#LoveForDamar | #ForDamar pic.twitter.com/qTW7OKJHYa
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2023
3 on our mind.#LoveForDamar | #ForDamar pic.twitter.com/4sInpA8j0D
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2023
All love for 3️⃣.#LoveForDamar | #ForDamar pic.twitter.com/tSban2sJrg
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2023
And it’s not just the Buffalo Bills showing support, either. Ravens safety Geno Stone entered Paycor Stadium for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati wearing a Damar Hamlin jersey.
Ravens safety Geno Stone arriving at Paycor Stadium wearing a Damar Hamlin jersey. pic.twitter.com/1sWhRWthzN
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 8, 2023
Just before Saturday’s game between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars, both teams gathered on the field for a moment of prayer.
What a powerful sight – all Titans and Jags players praying together for Damar Hamlin before the game.#LoveForDamar pic.twitter.com/2U9f2gqTh7
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) January 8, 2023
Chicago Bears quarterback Nathan Peterman warmed up in a shirt showing love for Hamlin as well.
Quarterback Nathan Peterman #14 of the Chicago Bears wears a Damar Hamlin shirt during warm-ups. Quinn Harris/Getty Images
Paramedics in Cincinnati went to the spot where Hamlin collapsed to pray before Sunday’s game.
UC Health paramedics praying on the field where Damar Hamlin collapsed Monday night. pic.twitter.com/zjwH8flXLC
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 8, 2023
Hamlin’s injury could have impacted his pay — reports indicate that his contract would have changed if he were to be placed on the injured reserve list – but the Bills have made it clear that the franchise will continue to pay him the full amount.
#Bills S Damar Hamlin’s 4-year, $3.64M contract contains a standard split to pay him at a lower rate if he lands on Injured Reserve. This week, he was placed on IR. However, sources say Buffalo has worked out an agreement with the NFL and NFLPA to pay him in full.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2023