World Pauses to Pray for NFL Star Damar Hamlin

Millions of people watching the NFL Bills-Bengals game on Monday were left stunned and worried after watching a frightening incident involving Bills safety – No. 3 Damar Hamlin.

Damar reportedly suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle in Monday night’s game. He promptly received on-field medical attention, where his heartbeat was restored. Damar was then rushed by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center’s intensive care unit, where he remains in critical condition.

The Buffalo Bills said on Tuesday, “Damar Hamlin spent last night in the intensive care unit and remains there today in critical condition … We are grateful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.”

Though the incident was frightening to see, it has been encouraging to witness the outpouring of support and prayer for Damar.

After Damar was rushed off the field in an ambulance, dozens of NFL players and coaches took a knee on-field and bowed their heads to pray.

As of publishing time, all 32 NFL teams have changed their Twitter profile picture to read, “Pray for Damar 3.”

For Damar. pic.twitter.com/brfi4XwC6q

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 3, 2023

On Tuesday, ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler shared a video on Twitter of a prayer vigil that had started outside of Highmark Stadium – home of the Buffalo Bills – for Damar. Around 150 Bills fans had gathered to pray for him.

About 150 #Bills fans holding a prayer vigil outside Highmark Stadium for Damar Hamlin. Jill Kelly, wife of Bills great Jim Kelly, is at the center. pic.twitter.com/kzTR3wjwhM

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 3, 2023

Also on Tuesday, “Praying for Hamlin” was trending on Twitter with 310K tweets

Since the incident, Hamlin’s family released a statement expressing “sincere gratitude” for the outpouring of support they have received.

“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country,” the statement read.

“We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be a part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.”

In addition to prayer, hundreds of thousands of individuals opened their pocketbooks to show support for Damar.

Damar had previously started the Chasing M’s Foundation, which he created to support his community through toy drives, back-to-school drives and kids camps.

According to NPR, prior to Damar’s collapse, the fundraiser had raised just slightly over $2,900, barely exceeding its $2,500 goal.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had received an astounding outpouring of support in less than 24 hours, and has now brought in $4,879,500 from 173.4K donations.

Medical incidents like the one Damar suffered can be very frightening, and it’s a good thing when we turn to the Divine Healer for aid and assistance. In times of trouble and tribulation, we look to God for healing and help.

Thankfully, according to reports, Damar is also a man of faith. He attended Central Catholic High School in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He also spoke about his faith while in college, saying, “My faith is in God. So, whatever He has planned for me, that’ll be it.”

Damar is close with his family. His mother, Nina, was at the game on Monday, and was rushed to be by his side after his collapse. Nina gave birth to Damar when she was just 16 years old.

“My mom, my dad, my little brother, like that’s pretty much my whole world,” Damar has said.

#Bills safety Damar Hamlin was asked what’s important to him aside from football.

Beautiful moment.

“I’m big on my family unit. My mom, my dad, my little brother — that’s pretty much my whole world. …. Any other thing going on in my life revolves around them.” pic.twitter.com/wLuY8qRyLi

— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) January 3, 2023

As Christians, we believe in an infinitely powerful and all-good God. We can’t always know why God allows bad things to happen to certain people. But we can know that God sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for all mankind – including Damar – because of his great love for all of us.

No matter what happens to Damar, we trust that God loves him more than anyone else ever could.

Will you pause to take a moment and prayer for Damar? Pray that if God wills, He will heal him. Pray also for his mother, father and little brother during this very difficult time.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:17-18).

Photo from Twitter.