Hamlin makes his first public statement since his on-field cardiac arrest

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK. Damar Hamlin on Saturday night made his first remark after suffering an on-field cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game on January 2.

“I think it’s finally time to share a few things,” Hamlin said in a six-minute video posted to various social media platforms, speaking directly to the camera shortly after he sat down in a chair.

“I think it was important for me to wait and speak in public at the right time, as I had a lot to process within myself, mentally, physically and even spiritually. There was just a lot to process.”

Hamlin said what happened during that prime time game in Cincinnati was “a direct example of how God used me as a vessel to share his passion and love, straight from my heart, with the whole world. to return to the children and communities around the world who need it the most and that has always been my dream, that’s what I’ve always stood for.”

Hamlin received cardiopulmonary resuscitation for about 10 minutes on the field after rolling up Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter. He was eventually transferred to a stretcher and taken by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Thereafter, Hamlin’s health attracted the attention of the entire nation.

Established in December 2020 to provide toys for children in need, Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation has raised about $2,900 in two years. Since his heart failure in Cincinnati, donations have skyrocketed to over $9 million.

People in Western New York also expressed their love and support for the second year of the arts. A mural was installed in Larkin Square and a street sign in East Aurora was changed to include his name.

On January 14, Bills linebacker Matt Milano posted on his Instagram account a photo of a smiling Hamlin at the Orchard Park campus. The following day, Hamlin was not present for the Bills’ 34–31 win over the Miami Dolphins.

“Support from home while I focus on my recovery. I want nothing more than to be there with them!” Hamlin posted on social media.

In the following days, Bills coach Sean McDermott said that Hamlin “is in the building now, starting almost every day, so that’s good news. As he continues to improve, it certainly helps.”

Hamlin did attend the Bills’ Divisional Round playoff game in a 27-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on January 22. set for the stadium when the game was nearing halftime.