Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Damar Hamlin

How Damar Hamlin built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Damar Hamlin is an American professional football safety currently playing for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh. Hamlin was drafted by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After primarily serving as a backup during his rookie season, he became a starter in 2022 due to an injury sustained by a teammate.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2017: Recorded 41 Tackles

In 2017, as a redshirt freshman, Damar Hamlin recorded 41 tackles with one interception in nine games played.

2018: Honorable Mention All-ACC

In 2018, as a redshirt sophomore, Damar Hamlin led the Panthers "sniper gang" secondary with 77 tackles and two interceptions and was named honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

2019: Registered 84 Tackles

In 2019, as a redshirt junior, Damar Hamlin registered 84 tackles with 10 passes broken up.

2020: Organized Charity Toy Drive

In 2020, Damar Hamlin started organizing annual charity Christmas toy drives in his hometown.

May 21, 2021: Signed Rookie Contract with Bills

On May 21, 2021, Damar Hamlin signed his four-year rookie contract with the Buffalo Bills.

January 12, 2023: Chasing M's Structure Changes

On January 12, 2023, The Buffalo News reported on the changes facing Chasing M's structure and operations in light of the large donations.

January 2023: Influx of Donations to Toy Drive

In January 2023, Damar Hamlin's 2020 GoFundMe campaign for the Chasing M's Foundation toy drive received a massive influx of donations following his in-game collapse.

April 18, 2023: Cleared to Return to NFL

On April 18, 2023, it was announced that Damar Hamlin was fully cleared to return to the NFL, and he announced his intention to continue playing football.

July 12, 2023: Presented Pat Tillman Award

On July 12, 2023, Damar Hamlin presented the Pat Tillman Award to the Buffalo Bills training staff during the ESPY awards.

August 12, 2023: First NFL Snap Since Cardiac Arrest

On August 12, 2023, Damar Hamlin played his first NFL snap since his cardiac arrest in the Bills' preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.

2023: Chasing M's Foundation Scholarships

In 2023, Damar Hamlin announced that he and the Chasing M's foundation would fund ten $1,000 scholarships for under-served young people in the Cincinnati area.