Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin made his first return to Paycor Stadium since suffering cardiac arrest back in January. Although he was inactive for the game, it was still an emotional return.
Buffalo came up short 24–18, but the moment was much bigger than the final score for Hamlin as the 25-year-old was seen alone on the field hours after the game finished, appearing to soak in how far he has come since that dreadful moment when the entire sports world was holding its breath hoping we did not just witness the end of his life.
As with anything involving Damar Hamlin since that fateful day, there were well wishes as well as people coming out to point out conspiracy theories.
During the game, many took to the social media site X to bring up that Hamlin still largely keeps his face uncovered which was a popular theory months ago that he was a clone.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
The day before the game, Hamlin honored the hospital medical team that helped him after he experienced cardiac arrest on the football field 10 months ago by launching a scholarship program for Cincinnati youths.
According to a news release, “Hamlin’s Cincinnati Heroes Scholarship” will help underserved high school and college-bound students attend private high schools, trade schools, or universities in the area.
Hamlin said he was humbled by the opportunity to honor the medical workers, three of whom treated him on the field after he collapsed, and called them “my Cincinnati heroes,” according to the news release.
“Because of what happened to me, I’m working to make sure that kids across the country have the same access to life-saving care that I did if they need it,” the football player said on his foundation’s website.
The program will award $1,000 scholarships —”one in the name of each of 10 individuals who were involved in Damar’s life-saving care,” said the news release.
Hamlin was not on the active roster for Sunday night’s game. He’s played sparingly this season, getting into just one game so far, Buffalo’s 48-20 win Oct. 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
