Inside Damar Hamlin's Touching Journey To The NFL

Damar Hamlin — a safety for the Buffalo Bills — went into cardiac arrest on Monday after tackling Tee Higgins, according to CBS Sports. The traumatic moment occurred during the January 2 game between the Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals. In the video circulating around social media, Hamlin can be seen struggling to get to his feet before collapsing to the ground. According to the Bills' Twitter, Hamlin had his "heartbeat restored" before being transported to UC Medical Center. He is now in critical condition.

Hamlin has since received an outpouring of support from his teammates as well as the global football community. Fans quickly flooded social media urging the NFL to postpone the game between the Bills and the Bengals. "The NFL needs to postpone this game," tweeted NFL insider Joshua Schultz. "There's no reason to put the players through any more trauma after what just happened to their brother. Devastating to watch and Praying for Damar Hamlin and his family. Football should not be a priority right now."

In response, Hamlin's family released a statement that thanked fans for rallying around Hamlin. "On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time," read the statement (via CNN). "We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country." As the world waits to hear updates on Hamlin's condition, let's look back at the safety's touching journey to the NFL.

Damar Hamlin was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in Round 6 of the 2021 NFL Draft, according to NFL.com. Since then, Hamlin has racked up impressive stats and accomplishments on the field. However, his kind nature and family values have also endeared him in the hearts of football fans everywhere. Weeks before his medical emergency, Hamlin spoke thoughtfully about his friend Dane Jackson, who was recovering from a neck injury, and the importance of cherishing every day like it's your last. Before the January 2 game, Hamlin was captured on camera embracing his family from the sidelines. However, Hamlin's childhood — which involved losing multiple friends to gun violence — could have easily led him down a different path.

"I would just really give all that credit to my parents, that's really like the biggest difference that I've seen in everyone's lives that was around me growing up," Hamlin shared with the Democrat and Chronicle in August 2021. "Just that fact of having two parents in my life that were dedicated to me and all into me, every move from being little to growing up." Hamlin added, "There were times where I could have steered left or steered right but my parents were always there to straighten me out and get me back on the track." Ultimately, Hamlin credits his parents with how his life turned out. "The only thing I had to do was just listen and that's the type of kid I was," he said.

Damar Hamlin's NFL career is still in the early stages. According to NFL.com, the Buffalo Bills selected the University of Pittsburgh graduate during round 6 of the 2021 draft. And even though Damar Hamlin has experienced a taste of success, he remains selfless and generous. In 2020, Hamlin set up a community toy drive on GoFundMe, with the goal of distributing toys to less fortunate children. "As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me," wrote Hamlin on the platform. "I created The Chasing M's Foundation as a vehicle that will allow me to deliver that impact, and the first program is the 2020 Community Toy Drive." 

He continued, "This campaign gives you the opportunity to contribute to our first initiative and positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. 100% of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need." In light of Hamlin's recent ordeal, his fans have revived the old campaign. In less than 24 hours, fans have donated $4,000,000 to his cause, per ESPN.

As Hamlin's fans and supporters wait to see how Hamlin will fare, many have gathered outside of his hospital, per JPA. Hamlin's teammates and peers have also supported him across social media. Let's hope to hear a promising update about the beloved football star soon.