Damar Hamlin

Damar Hamlin (born March 24, 1998, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania) is an American football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh and was selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Hamlin became a starter in 2022 and had a successful season until suffering from Commotio Cortis in a nationally televised game. What came after has become one of the most remarkable comeback stories in sports history.

Damar defied the odds and came back to play the following season. He was the most Googled person for that year and named the NFL’s number two most influential athlete.

In 2023, Hamlin launched the CPR Tour, a groundbreaking initiative through the Chasing M’s Foundation. This tour has equipped over 1,200 individuals with life-saving skills, provided 170 AEDs to communities in need, and catalyzed legislative change in 12 states.

Notably, Hamlin established the Heroes Scholarship in Cincinnati, honoring the medical workers pivotal to his recovery. This scholarship not only pays tribute to their dedication but also supports the next generation of healthcare heroes.

Damar and the foundation extend their impact through various initiatives, including football clinics, back-to-school drives, the annual toy drive, Thanksgiving drives, and health and wellness programs. These efforts reflect Hamlin’s commitment to fostering positive change in communities. Damar and the foundation have expanded the CPR Tour to five U.S. cities and internationally to Europe, bringing life-saving skills to communities around the world.

In the 2024-25 season, Damar did the unthinkable by earning his starting spot back and became one of the best players on the Buffalo Bills, leading them to a conference championship game and playoff berth. He recorded 89 total tackles (62 solo and 27 assisted), 2 interceptions for 19 yards, and recovered 1 fumble.

Accolades such as the 2023 PFWA Halas Award, Comeback Player of the Year, the 2023 Alan Page Community Award, and the 2023 Ed Block Courage Award underscore Hamlin’s impact. Since January 2, 2023, he has become a dedicated advocate for increasing awareness of CPR training and AED access.

Hamlin is driven by a profound purpose, channeling his experience into programs that encourage young people to pursue their dreams. In every sense, Damar is not just an athlete but a champion to uplift and inspire those around him.