History of Damar Hamlin in Timeline
Damar Hamlin is an American football safety for the Buffalo Bills. Drafted by the Bills in 2021, he primarily served as a backup during his rookie year. He transitioned to a starting role in 2022 after Micah Hyde sustained a season-ending injury.
March 24, 1998: Birth of Damar Hamlin
Damar Hamlin was born on March 24, 1998.
2016: High School Career and College Debut
Damar Hamlin was a highly sought-after cornerback coming out of high school. He chose to play for the Pittsburgh Panthers and participated in three games before experiencing an injury.
2017: Return to Football and Notable Performance
In 2017, Hamlin returned to football after recovering from his previous injury. He played well, recording 41 tackles and one interception in nine games.
2018: Leading the Defense and Receiving Recognition
Hamlin's performance in 2018, which included 77 tackles and two interceptions, earned him recognition as an honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) player.
2018: Renaming of NFL Man of the Year Award
In the fall of 2018, the NFL renamed its Man of the Year Award to honor Alan Page, replacing the previous name.
2019: Strong Performance on the Field
Hamlin continued to excel on the field in 2019, demonstrating his defensive skills with 84 tackles and 10 passes broken up.
November 21, 2020: Team Captain and ACC Honors
In 2020, Hamlin served as a team captain and received recognition for his performance. He was named to the All-ACC second team and earned the ACC Co-Defensive Back of the Week award for his game against Virginia Tech on November 21, 2020.
2020: Charity Toy Drive Begins
In 2020, Hamlin started his annual tradition of organizing charity toy drives in his hometown, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
May 21, 2021: Signing with the Buffalo Bills
Hamlin officially joined the Buffalo Bills on May 21, 2021, when he signed his rookie contract with the team.
2021: NFL Draft and Rookie Season
In 2021, Damar Hamlin was drafted by the Buffalo Bills and played as a backup during his rookie season.
2022: Becoming a Starter and Season-Ending Injury
In 2022, Hamlin became a starting safety for the Bills following an injury to Micah Hyde. However, he was also placed on injured reserve later that year.
January 2, 2023: Cardiac Arrest During Game
On January 2, 2023, Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This serious medical event led to his hospitalization.
January 6, 2023: Placed on Injured Reserve
On January 6, 2023, Hamlin was placed on injured reserve, marking a pause in his season due to the cardiac arrest he experienced during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
January 8, 2023: Bills Dedicate Game to Hamlin
The Buffalo Bills dedicated their game against the New England Patriots on January 8, 2023, to Damar Hamlin, showcasing their support for their teammate.
January 12, 2023: GoFundMe Campaign Receives Outpouring of Support
Following his on-field collapse, Hamlin's GoFundMe campaign for his charity toy drive received an overwhelming amount of donations, showing the widespread support for him and his cause.
January 2023: GoFundMe Campaign Grows Exponentially
In January 2023, after Hamlin's collapse, his existing GoFundMe campaign for his foundation received millions in donations, far exceeding its initial goal and leading to organizational changes.
February 2023: Super Bowl LVII Appearance
In February 2023, Hamlin made a special appearance at Super Bowl LVII, marking his return to the public eye after his cardiac arrest. He was accompanied by the Bills' medical staff.
April 18, 2023: Cleared to Return and Announces Comeback
On April 18, 2023, Hamlin received medical clearance to resume playing football. He also announced his intention to make a comeback, signaling his dedication to the sport.
May 15, 2023: George Halas Award Recipient
On May 15, 2023, Damar Hamlin was honored with the George Halas Award, recognizing his resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
July 12, 2023: Presents Pat Tillman Award
On July 12, 2023, Hamlin presented the Pat Tillman Award to the Buffalo Bills training staff, highlighting their role in his recovery.
August 12, 2023: Return to NFL Action
On August 12, 2023, Hamlin marked his official return to NFL action by playing in the Bills' preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.