“Keep praying for me”
NFL star Hamlin speaks out for the first time
NFL player Damar Hamlin took to social media for the first time since suffering cardiac arrest, expressing gratitude for the “overwhelming” love from the sports world. In the stadiums of the league, the solidarity is still great.
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After his cardiac arrest, NFL defenseman Damar Hamlin (24) spoke for the first time on Instagram and Twitter on Saturday.
Last Monday, the sports world stood still: During the NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, Bills defender Damar Hamlin (24) collapsed after a tackle on the field and suffered cardiac arrest. He still needs to be resuscitated on the pitch and is hospitalized.
After several anxious days in critical condition, Hamlin will have his breathing tube removed on Friday and his team say he is on the mend.
“Only Makes Me Stronger”
A day later, the player himself turns to the public for the first time. He thanks Instagram and Twitter for the support: “The love was overwhelming. I am thankful for every person who prayed for me and reached out. It brought the world together.”
After the accident, the solidarity in the sports world is huge. For example, a fundraiser launched by Hamlin weeks earlier has gone through the roof. Fans and athletes are donating large sums, more than eight million dollars have already been raised on Sunday morning Swiss time.
In his post, the football player continues to write that he will not let the accident get him down: “Anyone who knows me knows that this only makes me stronger. Keep praying for me on this long journey».
The post has had a huge reach in a very short time: just ten hours after it was published, it already has 1.4 million likes and 28,000 comments on Instagram.
There was also a lot of sympathy on the NFL courts: in the two games on Saturday, many players are warming up in special T-shirts that say “Love for Damar”. Players from opposing teams also pray in the center circle before the game. Further promotions are also planned for the 14 games on Sunday. (bjl)