In an amazing scene, the Buffalo Bills took the opening kickoff to the house in their return to the field on Sunday, after the Damar Hamlin incident saw their game canceled on Monday night.
Playing at home in Orchard Park vs. the Patriots, the Buffalo crowd erupted when running back Nyheim Hines took the kickoff 96-yards before jumping into the crowd. The camera cut to a stunned Josh Allen who had his hands on his head.
Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest in last Monday’s game vs. the Bengals and remains in the hospital, tweeted his surprise after the play. He also tweeted a photo of himself in his hospital bed before kickoff.
The Bills honored Hamlin on Sunday in a number of ways per ESPN:
Some of the Bills players ran onto the field before the game with “3” and “Love for Damar” flags. They then gathered in a circle at the center of the field.
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Bills players are wearing “3” patches on their jerseys in honor of Hamlin.
General manager Brandon Beane wore a Hamlin jersey during pregame warmups. While Bills players had the option of wearing the same version of “Love for Damar 3” shirts that the entire league is wearing before games, but in blue, many wore custom black T-shirts that were made for the team with a Hamlin collage on the front and a larger image of Hamlin on the back.
Team personnel wore blue ballcaps and beanies with the No. 3 on it. The No. 3 was seen all over Highmark Stadium and in Orchard Park. Signs throughout the stadium included messages to Hamlin and people sharing their love for the safety.
Hamlin remains in critical condition but continues to improve.