Nearly two years after Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game, his return to the NFL has won many admirers. Add Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers to that list.
Rodgers sent Hamlin a touching message after the Bills faced New York on Monday, 93 weeks after the Buffalo safety had to be resuscitated on the field after a routine tackle turned out to be anything but.
Hamlin and Rodgers traded jerseys on the MetLife Stadium grounds after the Bills’ 23-20 win. Rodgers’ discussions donated to Hamlin contain an added message.
‘You are an inspiration to me and millions!’ Rodgers told Hamlin. “Lots of love, my brother!”
Hamlin’s career path since the injury has come under scrutiny due to the incident’s uniqueness and spotlight.
Aaron Rodgers sent a touching message to Damar Hamlin after the Bills-Jets game on Monday
Buffalo’s roster was in shock last January after Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field
Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins led with his shoulder as he carried the ball into Hamlin’s chest during the devastating play in January 2023. After the tackle, Hamlin tried to get up but collapsed to the turf.
Medical professionals rushed to Hamlin’s side within seconds and performed CPR and other measures while he remained motionless.
While there were few details about Hamlin’s condition during the broadcast, many Bills and Bengals players were shocked by what they saw on the field.
Players from both teams held a mass prayer on the grounds of Paycor Stadium. The remainder of the match was postponed and ultimately canceled.
Hamlin was unable to breathe on his own for four days after the incident. The now 26-year-old safety was released from a Buffalo-area hospital nine days after suffering cardiac arrest.
Last April, Hamlin was cleared to return to the NFL and stated his intention to continue playing football.
Hamlin returned to football several months later and enjoyed success during his comeback to the NFL
Rodgers’ career with the New York Jets didn’t go according to plan, but he showed class by recognizing Hamlin
Hamlin’s on-court appearances were sparse during the 2023 season, when he was the backup to Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
With both Poyer and Hyde no longer on the team, a spot was found for Hamlin to start and he is an integral part of one of the AFC’s best teams.
Last month, Hamlin recorded his first career NFL interception, picking off Trevor Lawrence in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Against Rodgers, Hamlin had seven tackles and one pass deflection. And the Bills star gained another supporter during his gridiron journey.