The Buffalo Bills took on the New England Patriots in their last regular season game on Sunday. Normally, it would be a high-octane game at this point of the year. But the game was high on emotion for a different reason. It was the first time the Bills played since the horrific Damar Hamlin injury.
But a heartwarming picture of battling Hamlin was enough to melt the emotions of the Bills and the NFL world.
Damar Hamlin’s picture melts hearts
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Millions of fans watched as the Bills came out to play for the first time since their safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field in Cincinnati last week. But a special guest watched the game too, although from afar. A heartwarming picture of Hamlin watching his team play the Patriots with his family emerged, and it was enough to melt emotions.
“GAMETIME!!!” Hamlin wrote as he shared the photo of him watching the game from the hospital with his family. He wore the same special Jersey that his team wore pre-game with “Love for Damar” and his number 3 written on it.
GAMETIME!!! @BuffaloBills 💙 pic.twitter.com/PQYClonUHb
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) January 8, 2023
The Bills honored their battling safety with special jersey patches for the game. All the Bills players wore the official game Jersey, with Hamlin’s number 3 patched onto the heart. QB Josh Allen walked out of the tunnel with a special flag to show the team’s solidarity with the player. All these scenes were already overwhelming for the fans. And Hamlin’s own photo reminded them that this was more than just the game.
The NFL world sends their love to Damar Hamlin
The NFL world sent their love toward Damar Hamlin as they watched the game together. Some admitted that the picture made them cry while others sent their prayers for Bills’ safety.
This fan said the photo made them sob again.
Well, now I’m sobbing again. 😭😭
— Jo 🌻 (@JoJoFromJerz) January 8, 2023
Another fan hailed Hamlin as America’s player.
🫶🏻 you are officially America’s player! Keep healing, and we’ll keep cheering! Love from New Mexico!
— Michayla Slade (@michayla_slade) January 8, 2023
This fan, and millions of others, were praying to see this picture.
This is a picture we have all been praying to see!! God bless you and your family!
— Nyla Bruce (@nyla1way) January 8, 2023
Another fan is sending continued prayers for Hamlin as he walks on the road to recovery.
Game is HOT!
Continued prayers for you! God bless!!— Happy Camper 🇺🇸 (@HappyCa78018591) January 8, 2023
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The Bills had extra motivation to play well in the last regular season game. They were playing for Hamlin. And that showed in the plays. Nyheim Hines returned two Patriots kickoffs all the way to the end zone to set the tone of the game. In total, he returned four kicks for a whopping 235 yards.
QB Josh Allen threw three passing touchdowns in the game and the Patriots’ defense caught one of his passes. The Bills won 35-23, setting up a wildcard round clash with the Miami Dolphins. And they also knocked the Patriots out of the playoff picture.
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The love for Hamlin keeps pouring in as his toy drive got more than $8 million in donations. Big names including the Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Tom Brady have joined the Bills and the fans for the cause. And the NFL world continues to wish for a full recovery for the young safety.
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