History of Damar Hamlin in Timeline

Damar Hamlin is a professional American football safety currently playing for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After initially serving as a backup, Hamlin stepped into a starting role in the 2022 season due to an injury sustained by a teammate.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 24, 1998: Damar Hamlin Born

On March 24, 1998, Damar Romeyelle Hamlin was born. He is now a professional football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

November 21, 2020: ACC Co-Defensive Back of the Week Honors

On November 21, 2020, Damar Hamlin earned ACC Co-Defensive Back of the Week honors for his game against Virginia Tech.

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.

January 2, 2023: Cardiac Arrest during Monday Night Football

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 dedicate week 18 game to Hamlin

On January 8, 2023, the Buffalo Bills dedicated their week 18 game against the New England Patriots to Damar Hamlin. Nyheim Hines returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The Bills won 35–23, eliminating the Patriots from playoff contention.

January 12, 2023: GoFundMe reached over $8.7 million

By January 12, 2023, Damar Hamlin's 2020 GoFundMe campaign for the Chasing M's Foundation toy drive had grown from its $2,500 goal to over $8.7 million due to increased donations after his collapse. The Buffalo News reported on the operational changes Chasing M's was facing because of the donations, including its tax-exempt status and governance.

May 15, 2023: Received the George Halas Award

On May 15, 2023, Damar Hamlin received the George Halas Award, which is given annually by the Pro Football Writers of America to the NFL player, coach, or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.

July 12, 2023: Presented the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPY awards ceremony

On July 12, 2023, Damar Hamlin presented the Pat Tillman Award to the Buffalo Bills training staff during the ESPY awards ceremony. This was to recognize the assistance they provided during his life-threatening health emergency.