Hamlin grateful to Bills speaks publicly for the first time on video

ORCHARD PARK, NY (AP) — Damar Hamlin posted a video on Saturday in which he says he is grateful for the outpouring of support and pledges to pay it back, marking the first time a Buffalo Bills safety has spoken publicly. since going into cardiac arrest and requiring resuscitation on the Cincinnati field on January 2.

Hamlin said now was “a good time” to speak after the Bills’ season ended and because he needed time to recover and collect his thoughts.

“It was just a lot to process within myself – mentally, physically and even spiritually. It’s just been a lot to process,” he said. “But I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the love, all the support and everything that just came my way.”

Hamlin then said he came to peace with what happened on the field when he collapsed after making what appeared to be a routine tackle from Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who had punched Hamlin squarely in the chest.

“What happened to me on ‘Monday Night Football,’ I think is a direct example of God using me as a vehicle to share my passion and love straight from my heart with the whole world,” a- he said in a 5 1/2 -minute video posted on his Instagram account.

“And now I can give to children and communities around the world who need it most. And that has always been my dream,” he added. “That has always been what I have stood for and what I will continue to stand for. ”

Titled “Thank You: A Message from Damar Hamlin,” the video opens with Hamlin appearing, putting on a jacket, and sitting in a dimly lit room with the word “Bills” prominently displayed behind him. Hamlin shows no aftereffects from the injury while wearing a white T-shirt with the name of his charitable foundation, Chasing Millions, printed on the front and with a gold chain with the initials “DM” hanging around his neck.

Hamlin also thanked his teammates, training staff and medical staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and Buffalo General Medical Center, where he shared his recovery. He also thanked those who have donated more than $9 million to his charity over the past four weeks.

“Although I’m so grateful to everyone, I know it’s not enough to be grateful. This is just the beginning of the impact I wanted to have on the world,” Hamlin said as he closed. the video making a heart sign with his hands.

“I couldn’t do this without this support and love,” he continued. “And I look forward to continuing to take you on this journey with me.”

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