Damar Hamlin returns to Highmark Stadium with unforgettable message for Bills Mafia
The Buffalo Bills held their 'Return of the Blue and Red' scrimmage at Highmark Stadium in front of rowdy members of the Bills Mafia. Josh Allen set the tone, coming out with a blue alternate helmet that quickly went viral. Unfortunately, this isn't a helmet the team will be using this season, much like last […]
The Buffalo Bills held their 'Return of the Blue and Red' scrimmage at Highmark Stadium in front of rowdy members of the Bills Mafia.
Josh Allen set the tone, coming out with a blue alternate helmet that quickly went viral. Unfortunately, this isn't a helmet the team will be using this season, much like last year when the franchise quarterback walked out with a red helmet.
Getting a look at the team in front of some pumped-up members of the Bills Mafia gave some of the newer players a taste of what the stadium is going to feel like on game day. For veterans, it was a welcome home moment after spending some time in Rochester at training camp.
However, the biggest moment was seeing Damar Hamlin back in pads, at Highmark, for the first time since last season before his traumatic injury against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin, once again, continued his impressive journey back to the NFL. His Cinderella story gained yet another chapter as Hamlin made his presence known on the field. Not surprisingly, the crowd erupted when he ran out of the tunnel.
After practice, Hamlin had a message for the Bills Mafia and the city of Buffalo. If you have tissues, now would be a good time to grab them.
Hamlin, speaking on Buffalo and its place in his heart, went viral with his statement.
"Buffalo is a special place." Hamlin began. "It's one of the most special places in America."
The talented safety nearly died on the football field last year. Assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington jumped into action and performed life-saving CPR which is a big reason why Hamlin is alive today. You can't talk about Hamlin's story without mentioning Hamlin. Kellington, and the first responders, are heroes who need to be continuously mentioned when bringing up Hamlin's remarkable journey.
Hamlin, continuing on about the city of Buffalo and being a member of the Buffalo Bills, "You only get to truly experience it as a Buffalo Bill."
Hamlin continued, "They (Bills Mafia) showed out for us when in doubt. We had a practice in Rochester the other day in the rain and no one flinched, no one moved a muscle, it was a full-packed house."
Speaking on the Bills Mafia, Hamlin didn't hold back on what they mean to him and the rest of the team. "It means a lot to you. Just know these fans they truly care and make you want to win for them that much more."
Damar Hamlin presents the Buffalo Bills training staff with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPYs
Damar Hamlin brings the house down with unforgettable ESPYS moment
Featured image via Twitter @Matt_Bove
