History of Damar Hamlin in Timeline
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.
March 24, 1998: Damar Hamlin Born
On March 24, 1998, Damar Romeyelle Hamlin was born.
2016: Medical Redshirt Exception
In 2016, as a freshman at Pittsburgh, Damar Hamlin played in three games before suffering an injury and receiving a medical redshirt exception for that year.
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).
2018: Award Renamed in Honor of Alan Page
In the fall of 2018, the Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award was renamed in honor of Alan Page.
2019: Registered 84 Tackles
In 2019, as a redshirt junior, Damar Hamlin registered 84 tackles with 10 passes broken up.
November 21, 2020: ACC Co-Defensive Back of the Week
On November 21, 2020, Damar Hamlin earned ACC Co-Defensive Back of the Week honors for his game against Virginia Tech.
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 2, 2023: Cardiac Arrest During Game
On January 2, 2023, during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle and was hospitalized in critical condition.
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 8, 2023: Bills Dedicated Game to Hamlin
On January 8, 2023, the Buffalo Bills dedicated their week 18 game against the New England Patriots to Damar Hamlin.
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.
February 2023: Special Appearance at Super Bowl LVII
In February 2023, Damar Hamlin made a special on-field appearance at Super Bowl LVII with Bills training and UC Health staff.
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.
May 15, 2023: Received the George Halas Award
On May 15, 2023, Damar Hamlin received the George Halas Award, given to the NFL player who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.
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.
