Damar Hamlin Speaks Publicly for the First Time Since Cardiac Arrest

The Buffalo Bills player is thanking fans for their support following the recent medical emergency he suffered on the field.

Damar Hamlin shared his gratitude for his fans in a touching new video marking the first time the Buffalo Bills player has spoken publicly since suffering a medical emergency on the field a few weeks ago.

The 24-year-old football player shared a video on Saturday, Jan. 28, via Instagram Reels that showed him thanking fans for the outpouring of love and support they have displayed during this difficult time.

He also offered insight into how he's been recovering from the scary incident during the Monday, Jan. 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals that left Hamlin collapsed on the field and in need of CPR before being rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Related: He's Finally Home! What Happened to Buffalo Bills Player Damar Hamlin? Cardiologists Break It Down

Within the five-and-a-half-minute-long video, Hamlin revealed that he was waiting for the right time to speak out publicly, noting that there has been a lot for him to process "emotionally, physically, and even spiritually."

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"I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of all the love, all the support, and everything that’s just been coming in my way," he said 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,” he said, adding, "And 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; that’s always been what I stood for and what I will continue to stand for.”

Hamlin went on to thank all of the first responders and doctors who helped nurse him back to health, along with his entire family who never left his side during the recovery process, the Buffalo Bills fans, his teammates, the NFL as a whole, and the city of Cincinnati where the incident took place.

The Buffalo Bill's safety was awake and responsive just three days following the incident. Hamlin's football team took to their Twitter account to announce the "remarkable" news writing,  “Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours," adding, “While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal, and he is making steady progress. We are grateful for the love and support we have received.”

Related: Reactions Pour in Regarding Damar Hamlin's Health Update Following Critical Condition Diagnosis

According to AP News, the football player has been recovering at home since he was released from the hospital on Jan. 11. He is continuing rehabilitation with the Buffalo Bills and is making regular visits to their facility. Hamlin was even able to attend the Bills' final game of the season against the Bengals in a divisional playoff game last weekend.

We wish him the best on the rest of his journey to recovery!