Bills safety Damar Hamlin receives outpouring of support; fans donate millions to charitable cause (2024)

The outpouring of support for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has reached levels that go far beyond the sports world.

Hamlin remains in critical condition with signs of improvement at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center after suffering a cardiac arrest during Monday's game against the Bengals, the Bills announced Wednesday afternoon. Hamlin is expected to remain under intensive care as he continues to be monitored and receive treatment.

In the days since the frightening development, which ultimately led to the game's postponement, donations have poured into the 24-year-old's community fundraiser, The Chasing M's Foundation. Hamlin originally set up a GoFundMe in 2020 for a Pittsburgh community toy drive in his native city, but contributions have skyrocketed well into the millions since Monday night, prompting this update to the pledge:

This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar's community, sponsored by the Chasing M's Foundation.

However, it has received renewed support in light of Damar's current battle and we can't thank all of you enough. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.

If you would like to show your support and contribute to Damar's community initiatives and his current fight, this is the place to do so. This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family.

Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and generous support during this time.

The rapidly growing charitable donations -- the Cincinnati Bengals Legends and Cincinnati NFLPA also have raised money to help Hamlin's family and friends pay for hotel lodging and meals while Hamlin has been hospitalized -- reflect widespread support across social media. On Tuesday, teams across the NFL changed their Twitter avatars to an image with the phrase "PRAY FOR DAMAR." Here is a collection of additional posts:

The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lDWNAOEPX4
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023

A statement from the family of #Bills S Damar Hamlin, via @jordonr: pic.twitter.com/VolSLMraUN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2023

It’s more than football. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/I8v696z0o8
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023

Please pray for our brother.
— Josh Allen (@JoshAllenQB) January 3, 2023

Can’t even sleep right now thinking about my brother so much
— Shaq Lawson (@Shaq_Lawson90) January 3, 2023

My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIsland the Hamlin Family. I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love 🙏🏾💙
— Tee Higgins⁵ (@teehiggins5) January 3, 2023

The NFLPA and everyone in our community is praying for Damar Hamlin. We have been in touch with Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL. The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well being.
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 3, 2023