“I know how much football and life means to him” – Damar Hamlin’s childhood friend puts Bills safety’s NFL career in perspective
Damar Hamlin has impacted NFL fans all over the world after what happened in Week 17 in the Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game.
Hamlin collapsed on the field in the first quarter of the game. Ultimately, the league decided to abandon the game. Since the unfortunate incident, there have been numerous stories about Hamlin and his path to the NFL.
His childhood friend and college teammate Jordan Whitehead put Hamlin's career in a different light during an appearance on The Pivot Podcast.
Whitehead talked about his Pittsburgh Panthers teammate as someone who loves the game of football and what it means to him.
Whitehead said:
"Just knowing the more and you know, knowing how much he loves this game, he gives his heart out to it."
"And in these last two years, he's been fighting to get on the field and he finally got on the field and I just texted him probably a couple of weeks ago, we were talking just about, you know, it's going to be your time."
Whitehead added:
"Played together at Pitt. Well, my roommate at Pitt. I know how much football and life means to him. I know how much life means to Damar, so seeing him on a field as painful as being a football player and knowing that, you know, you think about the injuries that can happen during a game."
The Bills safety collapsed on the field and was attended to by the team's medical staff for around 15 minutes. Damar Hamlin was given CPR on the field at Paycor Stadium and was later taken to the nearby University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
How is Damar Hamlin doing?
Initially, Hamlin was in critical condition but is showing signs of major improvement. On Friday, the Buffalo Bills came out with a statement on Hamlin's condition.
"Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery. His neurologic function remains intact, and he has been able to talk to his family and care team."
The team also confirmed reports that Damar Hamlin joined a team meeting through FaceTime and shared an important message with his teammates.
Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches.
What he said to the team: “Love you boys.” ❤️ https://t.co/8dorrWNaxt
To honor Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills will wear royal Nike t-shirts saying "Love for Damar 3" for pregame warm-ups.
The team's business staff will display "3" lapel pins. Hamlin's teammates will also wear "3" jersey patches for the Week 18's game versus the New England Patriots. The "3" in each of the 30-yard line numbers on the field will be donned by Buffalo Bills Blue at Highmark Stadium.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Pivot Podcast, Fox News, and H/T Sportskeeda.