Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Damar Hamlin gets tattoo to commemorate anniversary of cardiac arrest

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/2/24

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin knows exactly how fortunate he is to have survived a life-threatening cardiac arrest one year ago to the day on the field in Cincinnati.

After taking a hit to the chest while tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, Hamlin collapsed to the turf and went into cardiac arrest as Bills emergency medical personnel administered CPR and used a defibrillator to restore his heartbeat before he was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Hamlin has stated several times since the incident how fortunate he was to have survived such an ordeal, and now the 25-year-old safety will carry the memory of that day with him permanently as he got a tattoo to commemorate the day at Till The End Tattoos in Miami, Florida.

Damar Hamlin got this tattoo exactly one year after suffering cardiac arrest.

(: chinkaliftattoos/IG) pic.twitter.com/Hi7CRgMUKC
— theScore (@theScore) January 2, 2024

Hamlin was cleared during the offseason to resume his career, playing in five games. He’s totaled two tackles while playing 17 defensive snaps and 94 special teams snaps this season.

In addition to the tattoo, Hamlin also took time Tuesday to reflect with a message on his GoFundMe page, which he used to raise money for his Chasing M's Foundation Community Toy Drive.

The page initially had a $2,500 goal but has since raised more than $9 million to help support community toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more.

“As a donor to my charity, I didn't want to let the New Year begin without reaching out personally to thank you,” Hamlin wrote. “This past year has been an incredible journey for my family and I, and the growth of my charity — through the generosity of people like you — is a great blessing to me. In addition to returning to the NFL this fall, I've spent time creating the mission of my charity, which is focused on empowering youth and lifting up people who face adversity.

“…As we begin a New Year, I’m humbled, honored and deeply committed to driving change that will protect kids. Thank you for being part of my journey - your continued support is what makes initiatives like these possible. Together, we are just getting started.”

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