Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin just shared his first public comments since suffering cardiac arrest during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2. Hamlin posted a six-minute video to his social media accounts thanking everyone for their continued support. The 24-year-old also said he was waiting to speak publicly for the “right time” since it was “just a lot to process within my own self — mentally, physically, even spiritually.”
“I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of all the love, all the support and everything that’s just been coming in my way,” Hamlin said, per ESPN. “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 will continue to stand for.”
Videos by PopCulture.com
The video comes nearly a week after Hamlin made his first public appearance during the Bills’ playoff loss to the Bengals. Over the last few weeks, Hamlin has been active on social media, thanking his fans for their support. In the video, Hamlin also talked about the money raised for his Chasing M’s foundation which is now over $9 million.
“That was something that was started even way before I made it to the NFL, something that was started small just to be able to affect my small community back at home, McKees Rocks [Pennsylvania],” Hamlin said. “I just wanted to be able to play my role and do my part in my community as I ventured off and to chase my dreams of making the NFL, and you guys have just took that and blown it away, and I’m so excited for the things that I have planned in the future for these kids all across the country now.”
Before Hamlin collapsed on the field, he was one of the Bills’ top players, recording 91 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two passes defended. He signed a four-year contract with the Bills in 2021, and his salary for the 2022 season was paid in full despite ending the season in injured reserve.
Most Viewed
-
A ring of vibrant marigold flowers with glowing candles at the center, set against a dark background. (Credit: Eduardo Monroy Husillos / Getty Images) -
Photo Credit: CBS -
CBS Presents Sheriff Country ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
Photograph by Warrick Page/Max -
NEW YORK CITY – DECEMBER 19: "Toil and Trouble" – Elsbeth is thrown into the world of television after the showrunner of a long-running police procedural is brutally murdered in his office, and although it appears to be the act of a disgruntled fan, she begins to suspect the show's longtime star Regina Coburn (Laurie Metcalf) who yearns for artistic fulfillment. Meanwhile, Judge Crawford (Michael Emerson) continues to be a thorn in Elsbeth's side, on the CBS original series ELSBETH, Thursday, Dec. 19 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs). Pictured (L-R): Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni and Carra Patterson as Kaya Blanke. (Photo by Michael Parmelee/CBS via Getty Images)
