‘From The Heart': Hear Buffalo’s Hamlin Speak for First Time Since Cardiac Arrest
For the first time since going into cardiac arrest on January 2, 2023, Damar Hamlin has spoken publicly.
On Saturday evening, the football world was greeted by a video from Hamlin, produced by he and the Buffalo Bills, on his personal Instagram feed. Hamlin used the platform to thank his family, the medical professionals who helped save his life, and the millions of people who have supported his recovery.
Now, without further ado, here is Damar Hamlin speaking to us all From The Heart.
Damar Hamlin Speaks Publicly for First Time via Instagram Video
A story from ESPN and other outlets reported the details of Damar Hamlin's first public comments since he collapsed on-the-field in a game between his team, the Buffalo Bills, and the Cincinnati Bengals.
In the video, Hamlin conveys his gratitude for the support he's received during his journey, while also making it known that he still has a long way to go in his recovery.
Here is the video he posted online:
Add this to the long list of miracles that we've all witnessed in the past month related to Damar Hamlin's recovery.
It's very impressive to see how focused Hamlin remains on giving back to his community, and specifically, to younger kids within it. It's rare to find a human being, let alone a pro athlete, who possesses the compassion and selflessness to use their recovery as an opportunity to give back to others.
Couple that fact with the kind words that he offered to the medical professionals who helped save his life, and though it's an analogy for the incorrect sport, this video is a true home run.
Here were some of our favorite comments left on Hamlin's Instagram post:
An inspiration to us all !! - @michaelrubin
Best thing I have seen on Instagram in a long time. Great message. Damar, many didn’t know you before MNF. This tragic situation has given you a platform it seems you intend to use it wisely. Best of luck to you!!! - @lambertruganiWow. Your parents have raised such an amazing young man. Thank you for taking the time to shout out to your trainers and the many people in both hospitals who helped to save your life. Many of us take them for granted. Sending you prayers and strength for healing ❤️ - @chtrembl3U BACK 3 - @maddensanmiguel
As we mentioned last week, it's clear that Damar Hamlin was not ready to engage with the media on the day he returned to Highmark Stadium, or any other day before this. He wasn't hiding anything from us (nor was the U.S. government), he was simply at a stage in his recovery where he wasn't ready to address the football world.
He's maintained his privacy as he recovers from the traumatic situation he faced, and he is well within his right to do that. Before long, Damar Hamlin will fully return to the public eye, and someday, he might even step foot onto a football field in Upstate New York.