'I will continue to do wonderful and great things': Damar Hamlin speaks in new video
Damar Hamlin spoke publicly on Saturday for the first time since he suffered a cardiac arrest on the football field earlier this month.
In a video shared by the Buffalo Bills, the 24-year-old McKees Rocks native explained the timing of his speech.
"I think it was important for me to wait and speak publicly at the right time," Hamlin said. "It was just a lot to process within my own self mentally, physically, even spiritually."
The nearly six-minute video included Hamlin thanking the Bills organization, including the athletic trainers who tended to him on the field. He also conveyed his gratitude to the doctors and nurses who treated him, as well as the millions of Americans across the country who rooted for him for weeks.
"He will personally try and thank every person across this country," said Terry Totten, who coached Hamlin at Central Catholic High School. "And he's gonna do it through his charity."
Hamlin's Chasing M's Foundation has raised more than $9 million as of Saturday.
"I don't even have the words to express the gratitude for the amount of support that was given into that," Hamlin said.
Hamlin made it clear this will not be the last time the public hears from him.
"I know that it isn't enough just to be thankful," Hamlin said. "This is just the beginning of the impact that I wanted to have on the world, and with God's guidance, I will continue to do wonderful and great things."
