Friend praises Damar Hamlin's "selfless" character while teammate describes mood in Buffalo Bills camp
It is not often that the NFL world unites around a common cause, but Damar Hamlin's injury has brought everyone together. What was supposed to be the most heated of times with the playoffs coming up and the regular season ending in one week, has instead seen countless stories of people pulling together.
Whether it has been stadiums or other public spots being lit in Buffalo Bills colors, or it has been fans praying together for him, in all the gloom, there has been an uplifting sentiment. Damar Hamlin's toy donation campaign also continues to grow with teams, owners, players, and fans contributing to it.
It is nothing less than what Damar Hamlin deserves. While we continue to pray for his well-being, this tragedy has highlighted just what kind of a man he is. He has left a lasting impression on everyone he has met and his friends and teammates have led the way in paying tributes to him.
Close friend and marketing representative Jordon Rooney described him to CNN as someone who is selfless and always looking out for others. He said,
"He’s someone who is selfless. He’s charismatic. He’s super caring. He’s always looking out for others. It doesn’t matter how he’s feeling, what went on that day, he’s giving himself to others to make sure other people in the room feel welcome, feel appreciated, feel inspired."
His teammate Dion Dawkins also said his teammate is a fighter and backed him to pull through.
“And he’s fighting, and he’s going to keep fighting. And we know our teammate, and he is one of the strongest guys, so he’s going to keep fighting and he’s going to make it. And he’s just going to keep pushing and keep pushing because that’s what we’re all built for and that’s what he’s been built for.”
UPDATE: Damar Hamlin’s family spokesperson, Jordan Rooney, said Hamlin’s “fighting” and his family is “in good spirits”. Rooney spoke on GMA this morning. m.youtube.com/watch?v=ov9BKF… https://t.co/YDVVS56xfS
Those who know Damar Hamlin are effusive in their praise
It is not just teammates and friends who have praised Damar Hamlin. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin praised the local boy, whom he has known since he was 12 years old. He praised him as a human being and praised his commitment as a young man.
Coach Tomlin shares his very personal thoughts on Damar Hamlin: https://t.co/gymuijitfp
Mike Tomlin was just one among many to praise the young Buffalo Bills player who faced a catastrophic injury against the Bengals on Monday Night football. It is a testament to Damar Hamlin's character that he has so many thinking about him in such a meaningful way in perhaps the toughest challenge he will face.