WATCH: Damar Hamlin makes first public comeback in video message
Jenny Goldsberry
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The Buffalo Bills tweeted a video Saturday of their safety Damar Hamlin making his first public statement since his injury.
This comes over two weeks since Hamlin was discharged from a Buffalo hospital after being treated for cardiac arrest. Hamlin collapsed on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2.
“I think it was important for me to wait and speak publicly at the right time because it was just a lot to process within my own self mentally, physically, and even spiritually,” Hamlin says in the video. “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. Now 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.”
WATCH: BILLS COACH SAYS DAMAR HAMLIN HAS BEEN ‘IN THE BUILDING’ NEARLY EVERY DAY
https://twitter.com/buffalobills/status/1619483697526317058?s=46&t=ceHwKfGxhCQxJEtagfd7gw
The safety went on to thank all the staff that have helped him in his recovery by name. He even named the medical staff that initially treated him at Cincinnati Medical Center immediately after his collapse. While he was recovering, other NFL players wore t-shirts in Hamlin’s honor and child fans sent letters of encouragement.
Hamlin’s Chasing M foundation has raised over nine million dollars on GoFundMe since his injury. It is his private charity foundation dedicated to Hamlin’s hometown community of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. His first project was a toy drive.
“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,” Hamlin wrote in the GoFundMe. “I created The Chasing M’s Foundation as a vehicle that will allow me to deliver that impact.”
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It remains to be seen if or when Hamlin will return to the football field.