Damar Hamlin speaks for first time after frightening on-field collapse. Watch video

Damar Hamlin released a video statement for the first time after his frightening on-field collapse during a Monday Night Football game on January 2. The 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety expressed his gratitude to his fans for their love and support through his recovery from near-fatal cardiac arrest, via an Instagram post on January 28. He titled the six-minute video "From The Heart". Hamlin emphasized the importance of waiting to speak publicly until the right time, as he needed time to process the event mentally, physically and spiritually.

Hamlin begins with, “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.” “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,” he adds.

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A post shared by DaⓂ️ar Hamlin <3 (@d.ham3)

Hamlin thanked the staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, calling out several by name, for their efforts in saving his life. He also acknowledged the Cincinnati Bengals organization for putting aside team rivalry and rooting for his recovery. He expressed gratitude for their support and said that although he was not surprised, rather deeply thankful. Hamlin was rushed to the medical center following his cardiac arrest during a game against the Bengals, then transferred to the General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute in Buffalo for further treatment, before being discharged on January 11.



The 24-year-old also thanked his parents, Mario and Nina, along with his 7-year-old brother, Damir. The football icon ends the shared clip on social media forming a heart with his hands.

FAQs

1. What is the full name of Damar Hamlin?
   Damar Romeyelle Hamlin
2. When and how did Hamlin collapse?
   He suffered a cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game on January 2, 2023.