Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Damar Hamlin

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2026

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

Damar Hamlin is an American professional football safety for the Buffalo Bills. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Hamlin initially served as a backup. He ascended to a starting role in 2022 after a teammate's injury.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2017: Recorded 41 Tackles and One Interception

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

2019: Registered 84 Tackles

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

2020: GoFundMe Campaign for Toy Drive

In 2020, Damar Hamlin started a GoFundMe campaign for the Chasing M's Foundation toy drive with a goal of $2,500.

2020: Started Annual Charity Toy Drives

In 2020, Damar Hamlin started organizing annual charity Christmas toy drives in his hometown of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. The GoFundMe campaign for his 2020 toy drive had set a goal of $2,500.

May 21, 2021: Signed Rookie Contract with Buffalo Bills

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

2021: Drafted by Buffalo Bills

In 2021, Damar Hamlin was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the NFL draft.

2022: Became a starter

In 2022, Damar Hamlin became a starter for the Buffalo Bills following an injury to Micah Hyde.

January 6, 2023: Placed on Injured Reserve

On January 6, 2023, Damar Hamlin was placed on injured reserve after he collapsed during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

January 12, 2023: Changes to Chasing M's Foundation

On January 12, 2023, The Buffalo News reported on the enormous changes facing Chasing M's Foundation's structure and operations due to the large donations received after Hamlin's injury, including its tax-exempt status and governance.

January 2023: Influx of Donations to GoFundMe Campaign

In January 2023, following Damar Hamlin's on-field collapse, his 2020 GoFundMe campaign for the Chasing M's Foundation toy drive received a massive influx of donations, growing from $2,500 to over $8.7 million. Many NFL players, coaches, and executives donated.

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.

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 and the Chasing M's foundation announced they would fund ten $1,000 scholarships for under-served young people in the Cincinnati area, named after UC medical staff members who contributed to Hamlin's recovery. The program is set to run for three years.