Damar Hamlin has posted an encouraging video thanking fans for their support and praising God for his speedy recovery.
In the video, a very hearty-looking Hamlin walks up before the camera and explains why he has waited so long to post a video. He also tells his followers that his medical emergency on the field and subsequent recovery was part of āGod using [him] as a vessel.ā
āI 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 spirituallyā¦ itās just been a lot to process. But I canāt tell you how appreciative I am of all the love, all the support, and everything thatās just been coming my way,ā Hamlin says into the camera.
āWhat 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 Iām able to give it back to kids and communities all across the world who need it the most, and thatās always been my dream. Thatās always been what I stood for and what Iāll continue to stand for,ā the 24-year-old player said.
Hamlin then went on to directly mention by name the many people who help keep him alive until he got to the hospital.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) signals incomplete pass in the second quarter of an NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs on October 16, 2022, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
āWith this happening to me, I didnāt 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 canāt thank you enough,ā he said.
āJust to put team allegiance aside, to root for one kidās life and just the humanity of a player thatās wearing Buffalo blue, to put humanity above team loyalty, you showed the world unity over division. Iām not surprised by it, but Iām deeply grateful. Iāll be forever thankful and indebted to that,ā Hamlin continued.
āI couldnāt do this without any of the support and the love, and I canāt wait to continue to take yāall on this journey with me,ā the player concluded.
Hamlin zoomed into everyoneās heart after collapsing on the field during a cardiac arrest incident on Jan. 2 during a broadcast of Monday Night Football. He was immediately given CPR on the field, then rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he had to undergo CPR a second time before his condition finally stabilized.
He began mounting an amazing recovery and made his first public statement on Jan 7, only five days after entering the hospital. By Jan. 11, he was released from the hospital and allowed to go home. And by Jan 22, he was well enough to attend a Bills game. Still, this Jan. 28 video is his first full address to fans.
Hamlin was a 2021 NFL draft sixth-round pick out of Pittsburgh. He quickly became a starter for the team.
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