Damar Hamlin is a professional football player who plays as a safety for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Pittsburgh.
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Hamlin is also a survivor of a cardiac arrest that he suffered on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, 2023. He collapsed after making a tackle and was quickly attended by the medical staff of both teams. He was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an automated external defibrillator (AED) before being rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
He spent a week in the intensive care unit and showed signs of improvement. He was then transferred to a Buffalo hospital and later discharged to rehabilitate from home. He made a full recovery and returned to professional football in the 2023 season.
Damar Hamlin’s comeback story is remarkable and inspiring. He has been praised by his teammates, coaches, fans, and the media for his courage and resilience. He has also been honored with several awards, such as the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award and the George Halas Award, for his contributions to the community and his overcoming of adversity.
Comeback Story
On November 5, 2023, Hamlin returned to Cincinnati for the first time since his near-fatal incident. He faced the Bengals in a primetime game on Sunday Night Football. He was not on the active roster for the game, but he was present on the sideline to support his team.
Before the game, Hamlin had an emotional reunion with the medical staff of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who helped save his life. He surprised them with a scholarship program named after each of them that will support youth in Cincinnati to pursue their dreams. He called them his “Cincinnati heroes” and thanked them for their efforts.
Damar Hamlin also received a warm welcome from the Bengals and their fans. He was greeted by Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow, who both expressed their admiration and respect for him. He also received a standing ovation from the crowd when he was introduced on the video board.
Hamlin said he was grateful for the opportunity to return to Cincinnati and honor the people who helped him. He said he was humbled by the support and love he received from everyone. He also said he was proud of his team and their performance, even though they lost the game 24-18.
Hamlin’s story is one of the most remarkable and inspiring stories in the NFL. He is a testament to the power of faith, determination, and gratitude. He is a role model for many people who face challenges and hardships in life. He is a hero, not only on the field, but also off the field.
Early Life and Education
Damar Romeyelle Hamlin was born on March 24, 1998, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Damar Hamlin Sr. and Tanya Hamlin. He has two brothers, Darius and Daevon, and a sister, Dajah. He attended Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, where he was a star athlete and student. He was named first-team All-State and the Class AAAA Defensive Player of the Year in football. He also played basketball and ran track. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was a member of the National Honor Society.
Hamlin chose to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh, where he majored in communications. He played as a safety for the Pittsburgh Panthers from 2016 to 2020. He was a second-team All-ACC selection in 2020 and finished his career with 277 tackles, six interceptions, and 21 pass breakups. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in December 2020.
Quick Facts
| Name | Damar Romeyelle Hamlin |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Football safety |
| Current Team | Buffalo Bills |
| Jersey Number | 3 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Education | Central Catholic High School, University of Pittsburgh |
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts in Communications |
| Spouse | Jasmine Jones |
| Children | Damar Hamlin Jr. and Jada Hamlin |
| Parents | Damar Hamlin Sr. and Tanya Hamlin |
| Siblings | Darius, Daevon, and Dajah |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nickname | D-Ham |
| Foundation | Chasing M’s Foundation |
| Scholarship | Hamlin’s Cincinnati Heroes Scholarship |
| Awards | NFLPA Alan Page Community Award, George Halas Award |
Damar Hamlin Professional Career
Damar Hamlin was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $3.6 million with the team. He played as a backup in his rookie season, appearing in 14 games and recording 18 tackles and a pass deflection. He became a starter in 2022 after Micah Hyde suffered a season-ending injury. He had a breakout season, registering 75 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
On January 2, 2023, Hamlin collapsed on the field after making a tackle in a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He went into cardiac arrest and was quickly attended by the medical staff, who performed CPR and used an AED to revive him. He was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition and stayed in the intensive care unit for a week. He was later transferred to a Buffalo hospital, where he made a full recovery and was discharged on January 11, 2023. He credited his faith, family, friends, and fans for his miraculous recovery.
Hamlin returned to the NFL in the 2023 season and continued to play at a high level. He helped the Bills win the AFC East division title and reach the AFC Championship Game. He was also named the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award winner and the George Halas Award winner for his courage and perseverance.
Various Profiles
Instagram – @d.ham3
Wikipedia – @Damar_Hamlin
Twitter – @HamlinIsland
Homepage – @factynews.com
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Hamlin is married to his high school sweetheart, Jasmine Jones. They have two children, a son named Damar Jr. and a daughter named Jada. They live in Buffalo, New York. He is a devout Christian and attends the Victory Family Church. He also enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending time with his family.
Damar Hamlin is also a philanthropist who has launched the Chasing M’s Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities and resources for underprivileged youth. He has also created the Hamlin’s Cincinnati Heroes Scholarship, which honors the 10 medical staff who saved his life in Cincinnati. The scholarship awards $1,000 each to 10 deserving students from Cincinnati who want to pursue higher education or vocational training. Hamlin has also raised awareness about the importance of CPR and AED training and has donated AED devices to schools and community centers.
Trivia
- Damar Hamlin wears the jersey number 3, which is also his favorite number and the number of his father, who played basketball at Robert Morris University.
- Hamlin’s nickname is “D-Ham”, which was given to him by his teammates and coaches at Pittsburgh.
- Hamlin’s favorite NFL player growing up was Troy Polamalu, who also played safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh.
- His favorite movie is The Lion King, which he watched with his son before his cardiac arrest.
- Damar’s favorite food is pizza, which he ate with his wife after being discharged from the hospital.
Summary
Damar Hamlin is an American football safety who plays for the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. He is a survivor of a cardiac arrest that he suffered on the field in 2023. He is also a philanthropist who has launched scholarships to honor the medical staff who saved his life. He is married to his high school sweetheart and has two children. He is a devout Christian and a role model for many.
