Damar’s Story

An NFL player, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Damar Hamlin has always put his family and his community first.

While playing football at the University of Pittsburgh he was named first-team All-State and the Class AAAA Defensive Player of the Year. Hamlin plays starting safety for the Buffalo Bills, standing out as a leader on the team early in his NFL career.

While he was still in college, Hamlin launched his popular Chasing M's clothing brand and created The Chasing M’s Foundation as a way to give back to his community through toy drives, kids camps, back-to-school drives, and more.

During a Monday Night Football game on January 2, 2023, Hamlin completed what looked like a routine tackle, only to collapse on the field moments after. He had suffered a cardiac arrest – and received swift medical attention as teammates and fans looked on in shock. His heartbeat was restored on the field, and he was rushed to emergency care.

As he recovered, he communicated by writing on a clipboard due to his breathing tube. Damar asked, “Did we win?” His trauma surgeon replied, “Yes, Damar, you won. You won the game of life.”

In a global show of support, fans donated to the charity Damar had set up before he made it to the NFL. Hamlin is dedicated to using the funds donated to lift up others.

Since January 2, Damar’s family and faith have helped him overcome obstacles. Today, Damar is focused on returning to the football field and building his charity’s programs and initiatives, which are focused on impacting young people.