What the Damar Hamlin saga says about us
It is heartwarming to see an overwhelming outpouring of love, generosity, positive thoughts, and prayers from millions of Americans being extended to 24-year-old Buffalo Bills football player Damar Hamlin and his family. Many of us know by now that Damar suffered an ingame cardiac arrest after what looked like a routine tackle with Tamaurice William “Tee” Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. The game was nearing the end of the first quarter.
Millions of fans, including the players, watched in horror the sight of Damar stretched out on the field fighting for his life. The players, appearing helpless, choked back tears and knelt, praying for their teammate’s recovery as he was driven out of the stadium in an ambulance to a Cincinnati hospital.
The players refused to continue to play, resulting in the game’s postponement.
As of the writing of this column, Damar’s medical team says he remains on a ventilator. However, he can write messages and hold hands with visiting family members.
“Did we win?” Damar asked in writing to one of the doctors present in a conference call with the reporters.
“Yes, Damar, you won. You’ve won the game of life,” the doctor responded.
On Friday, Damar — his breathing tube removed — spoke to his teammates via Zoom. To raucous approval, he flexed his muscles, and said, “I love you boys.”
Damar’s humanity remains bigger than football, transcending race, gender, and class. Even President Biden sent his regards to the family.
When asked about the safety of football, Biden said that while the league has made several strides in safety, some injuries and accidents can’t be avoided.
Messages continue to pour out from fans, from those who could care less about football, and from those who balk at the capitalism of the sport. Damar’s online charity, founded to raise money to buy toys for needy kids, has skyrocketed to $7 million.
Yes, Americans are generous and supportive in helping one another in a crisis and other countries when their citizens face a disaster — often to our detriment.
A British friend told me once that, while growing up in London, British television often portrayed a negative picture of Americans. However, since living in America, she has observed that what she saw in the British media was a skewed representation. She concluded that America is always the first to intervene in a crisis or disaster, which should make us proud.
I agree. And while I have many issues with America and will continue to express them, as Americans, we do show what we’re capable of and what’s possible when it comes to displaying humanity. Unfortunately, we seem to see the best of America in its astounding beauty and artistry during dark situations.
Meanwhile, Tee, whose shoulder pushed into Damar’s chest during the tackle, has also been affected. He went to the hospital after the game was suspended and has been in contact with Damar’s family ever since.
This young man needs healing, comfort, and support as well. I can only imagine his pain, knowing that colliding with Tamar has now placed Tamar’s professional football career on hold indefinitely. The doctors said in the conference call that it’s too early to know if any irreparable damage has occurred.
In an interview, Tee said knowing that Damar is improving leaves him feeling good and in a good place right now.
In time, this story will vanish from the headlines. Fans and non-fans will resume their lives. Damar will still require ongoing support when he recovers enough to leave the hospital. I hope the NFL will be there for him financially and emotionally.