Damar Hamlin Addresses Bills Before Patriots Game; NFL Reveals Weekend Tributes

The atmosphere surrounding the Patriots Week 18 game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday will be emotional, to say the least.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots Week 18 matchup with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday was already expected to be an emotional scene for the hometown crowd in Western New York.

As encouraging news regarding the inspirational recovery of Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin continues to emerge, positive vibes are certain to surround Highmark Stadium this weekend.

While Hamlin remains hospitalized at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center following his horrific in-game injury during Buffalo’s Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, his progress has continued to astound his team of physicians.

The best news yet was delivered on Friday morning, when the Bills announced that Hamlin’s breathing tube had been removed and that he was able to communicate verbally for the first time since collapsing due to a cardiac event in the first quarter on Monday night. Medical personnel performed CPR on the field, and Hamlin needed to be resuscitated twice, leading to his being intubated for the past three days.

The Bills also reported that Hamlin was able to speak with his teammates in Orchard Park, briefly chatting with some individually via Facetime, as well as addressing the team as a whole.

Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches.

What he said to the team: “Love you boys.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8dorrWNaxt

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023

Hamlin’s survival is a testament to his strength, and is nothing short of incredible. In fact, his doctors have been so impressed with his progress that they remain cautiously optimistic that the 24-year-old could make a full recovery. While it is too early to determine whether a return to the football field may even be considered, Hamlin’s resolve is serving as a spiritual lift.

Hamlin is also providing inspiration for players throughout the NFL, including members of the Patriots. Despite needing the win to earn a playoff spot, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and his team are well aware of the emotions invested by so many, and the importance of life beyond the field.

"Life's bigger than this game," Belichick said. "It's just one of these humbling moments for all of us that stands out."

Pats quarterback Mac Jones recognizes that New England’s upcoming matchup with the Bills will be about a lot more than just a football game to so many people. Though the sentiments of fans and players alike will be reverberating throughout the region on Sunday, Jones acknowledged that both the Patriots and Bills will be competing, yet standing in support

“It’s all about Damar and his family, Jones said. “Obviously his being on their team is a lot of motivation for them … But, we have to go out there, compete and honor him on both sides of the ball, as well.”

We're all playing for Damar... We're all in this together. I think it's important to remember that football is a game that brings people together.”

Indeed, all 32 NFL teams will come together this weekend, as the league announced that each club has the option to utilize the following activations with specific call outs noted that will be unique to Buffalo:

Via: NFL Comminucations

Kickoff between the Patriots and Bills is set for 1 p.m. ET from Highmark Stadium.