Bills’ Damar Hamlin expresses gratitude in first public comments

BUFFALO, NY — invoices safety Damar Hamlin shared his first public comments since suffering cardiac arrest on January 2nd a almost six minutes of video She took to her Instagram account on Saturday night to thank her for her support and well wishes over the past month.

Captioning the video “From The Heart,” Hamlin, 24, said it was important to wait for the “right time” to speak publicly because “it was a lot for me to process — mentally, physically, even spiritually.” The video was shot by the band in Orchard Park. It was recorded in the facilities he has (New York).The video shows that he continues to make progress in his recovery.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the love, all the support and everything that has just come my way,” Hamlin said. “What happened to me on Monday Night Football is a direct example of God being able to share my passion and my love directly from my heart with the whole world and give back to children and communities around the world who need it most, and that’s always been my dream. That’s what I’ve always stood for. what I had and what I will continue to defend.”

The video comes nearly a week after Hamlin made his first public appearance in the Bills’ playoff loss to the visitors. Cincinnati Bengals. He was shown on the video board holding his hands in the shape of a heart, in what has become his signature gesture, while also pumping up the crowd.

As Hamlin has continued his recovery, he’s been posting messages and photos on social media full of updates and wishes of gratitude.

Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation raised more than $9 million in the days after he went to the hospital, with money through GoFundMe for a toy drive with an initial goal of $2,500. He said he was overwhelmed by all the support.

“That was something that started long before I got to the NFL, something that started small to be able to make an impact at home in my small community of McKees Rocks. [Pennsylvania]” Hamlin said. “I just wanted to be able to play my part and do my part in my community and chase my dreams of making it to the NFL, and you guys took that and pulled it off, and I’m so excited for these kids right now across the country. for the things I have planned in the future.”

Hamlin thanked the Bills’ training, athletic and medical staff, the first responders and medical staff and the health care providers at hospitals in Cincinnati and Buffalo, who all played a role in saving his life, naming many.

Hamlin remained at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for nearly a week after suffering cardiac arrest in the first quarter of the Bills’ Week 17 regular-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He then flew to New York and spent about two days at Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute before being discharged on January 11.

He went on to thank his parents, Mario and Nina, “my anchors and everything that never left all this time” and his 7-year-old brother Damir, “who is my why, my reason. why I try to be my best self every day.”

In the video, Hamlin thanked his family, friends, teammates and the entire Bills organization for continuing to check on him and support him. Acknowledging that the Bengals and the NFL as a whole “put team loyalty aside to root for a kid’s life,” teams and the league showed support for Hamlin in a variety of ways beyond donations, prayers and shirts. Matches of week 18.

“I’m not surprised,” Hamlin said, “but I’m deeply grateful, and I’ll be forever grateful and indebted.”

Hamlin also thanked the fans, especially the Bills Mafia, for their love and support, noting that he was inspired by all the children who sent him letters and gifts.

“It’s always been important to me to be a role model, but just seeing the love and support from young people,” Hamlin said, “makes me want to go back and get out into the communities and touch the kids. Be able to see, touch, feel, talk and know that what they dream is real. that example. If you stay focused, if you’re dedicated, if you’re committed to what’s going on, you know, because that’s pretty much what got me here.”

Hamlin ended the video with his hands forming a heart.

“I’m going to continue to do great, great things,” Hamlin said. “I couldn’t have done this without your support and love, and I can’t wait for you guys to continue taking me on this journey.”