History of Damar Hamlin in Timeline

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 24, 1998: Damar Hamlin's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

2016: Freshman Year Injury and Redshirt

In 2016, during his freshman year at Pittsburgh, Damar Hamlin played in four games before suffering an injury, leading to a medical redshirt exception for that year.

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.

2018: Honorable Mention All-ACC

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

2018: Alan Page NFL Man of the Year Award

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: 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 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. He was hospitalized in critical condition but was released nine days later.

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. Nyheim Hines returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, and the Bills won 35-23, eliminating the Patriots from playoff contention.

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.

February 2023: Special Appearance at Super Bowl LVII

In February 2023, Damar Hamlin made a special on-field appearance at Super Bowl LVII, accompanied by Bills athletic training and UC Health staff members.

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 George Halas Award

On May 15, 2023, Damar Hamlin received the George Halas Award, which is given annually to the NFL player, coach, or staff member 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 ceremony.

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.

2024: Named First Alternate in Pro Bowl Games

In 2024, Damar Hamlin was named a first alternate in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games near the end of the season for his play.

March 12, 2025: Re-signed with the Bills

On March 12, 2025, Damar Hamlin re-signed with the Bills on a one-year, $2 million contract.

2025: Guest Cameos in Hallmark Films

In 2025, Damar Hamlin made guest cameos as himself in two Hallmark Channel original films, "Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story" and "The More the Merrier."

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