Damar Hamlin

Damar Hamlin is an American professional football safety who became one of the most inspirational figures in modern sports after surviving a cardiac arrest on the field during a nationally televised NFL game. Born on March 24, 1998, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Hamlin grew up in the Pittsburgh area and attended Central Catholic High School, where he was a standout football player and track athlete. He went on to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned All-ACC honors and became a team captain.

Hamlin was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He developed into a reliable contributor in the Bills secondary during his first two seasons. On January 2, 2023, during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making a routine tackle. He collapsed on the field and required CPR and an automated external defibrillator to restart his heart. The game was suspended as millions watched in shock, and Hamlin was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition.

Hamlin’s recovery was nothing short of remarkable. Within days, he was breathing on his own and communicating with teammates. His GoFundMe charity page, originally created to raise money for a toy drive for children in his hometown, received over $9 million in donations from supporters worldwide. He was released from the hospital within two weeks and made an extraordinary return to the NFL, being cleared to play again for the 2023 season. His comeback story inspired millions and brought attention to cardiac emergency preparedness in sports.

As of 2026, Hamlin has an estimated net worth of $4 million, boosted by his NFL contracts, endorsement deals that grew significantly following his recovery, and his philanthropic efforts through the Chasing M’s Foundation. He has become a prominent advocate for CPR training and AED accessibility, working with the American Heart Association and other organizations to promote cardiac safety in athletics.