Bills safety Damar Hamlin honored before Chiefs-Raiders, Titans-Jaguars games
The NFL continued on Saturday, but reminders of Damar Hamlin were everywhere.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders kicked off Saturday afternoon in the first game since Hamlin, the second-year Buffalo Bills safety, had a cardiac emergency on the field Monday night. The NFL had announced that teams would have various tributes to him this week.
The most obvious one before the game was the "Love for Damar" shirts players and coaches from both teams wore, with Hamlin's No. 3 jersey on them. Both head coaches, Andy Reid of the Chiefs and Josh McDaniels of the Raiders, wore the shirts in warmups.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wore a hoodie with a small heart and "Damar" on the front and "Hamlin Strong" on the back.
Before the second game on Saturday, the Jaguars and Titans gathered at midfield for a group prayer.
When ESPN cut to the broadcast of Chiefs-Raiders, the broadcasters and sideline reporter didn't talk about the Chiefs going for the No. 1 AFC playoff seed, but Hamlin, his health and how the Bills have reacted to it. The network showed fans with signs supporting Hamlin.
Also, the "3" at the 30-yard line at Allegiant Stadium was outlined in blue, one of the Bills' colors.
💙 #LoveForDamar pic.twitter.com/tjZ5CPWloi
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2023
Just before the national anthem, the PA announcer at Allegiant Stadium acknowledged the prayers for Hamlin, thanked first responders and health professionals and asked for a "moment of support and love for Damar" in which fans cheered for Hamlin.
The Bills offered an update on Hamlin's health on Saturday.
Per the physicians at UC Medical Center, Damar is making continued progress in his recovery yet remains in critical condition.
He continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent.— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 7, 2023
The games will go on in Week 18, with plenty of reminders of Hamlin at every stadium.