Damar Hamlin updates: Bills safety releases video to speak publicly for first time since cardiac arrest

In a six-minute video released Saturday, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin spoke at-length for the first time since suffering a near-fatal cardiac arrest after making a tackle during a Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In the introduction to the video, Hamlin explains that he waited to speak until the time was right, explaining that his situation was a lot to process mentally, physically, and spiritually while also citing the end of the Bills’ season.

Hamlin began by expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the support that has been extended towards him, before thanking an extensive amount of people and groups.

“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,” Hamlin said. “And now I’m able to give it back to kids and communities all across the world who need it the most. That’s always been my dream, that’s always been what I’ve stood for and what I will continue to stand for.”

Hamlin then thanked the Bills’ training, athletic, and medical staffs as well as the staffs of UC Medical Center and Buffalo General Hospital, all of whom were involved with his life-saving treatment and subsequent care. Hamlin then thanked his mother and father, his little brother, and other family and friends before thanking the Bills’ fanbase.

“Ever since I became a Buffalo Bill, it’s been nothing but genuine love and support. Not even only for me, but everyone’s situation,” Hamlin said. “No matter what it was, Bills Mafia jumped behind it and gave 110% support, love, no matter the situation. With this happening to me, I didn’t feel anything short of the love. And it really helped me stay encouraged to get through the toughest moments and the toughest times. I really can’t thank you enough.”

Hamlin then thanked his Bills teammates before going on to extend his thanks to the city of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the rest of the NFL for the outpouring of support that was shown in the days and week of football that followed Hamlin’s medical episode.

“You put humanity above team loyalty. You showed the world unity over division,” Hamlin said. “I am not surprised by it, but I am deeply grateful and I will be forever thankful and indebted to that.”

Finally, Hamlin thanked the children who sent him letters and gifts while he was recovering,…