The Buffalo Bills returned to the field for the first time today since safety Damar Hamlin suffered an on-field cardiac arrest.
The team delivered the perfect Hollywood movie moment.
On the first play of the game against the New England Patriots, running back Nyheim Hines caught a short kickoff and went 96 yards for a touchdown to give Buffalo a 7-0 lead.
Bills fans erupted. As did social media.
Damar Hamlin, watching the game from a hospital in Cincinnati couldn’t believe it and posted on social media and said: “OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Players from both teams wore shirts honoring Hamlin in warmups.
Patriots players wore black sweatshirts with the words “Love for Damar” on the front.
Bills players wore T-shirts with Hamlin’s likeness or number on the front and back.
Shortly before the game, Hamlin, posted a photo of himself and his family preparing to watch from his hospital bed.
He also sent a heartfelt message to his supporters:
“Nothing I Want More Than To Be Running Out That Tunnel With My Brothers.
“God Using Me In A Different Way Today.
“Tell Someone You Love Them Today.”
The @BuffaloBills return the opening kick. You couldn’t write this script.
📺: #NEvsBUF on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/Zuxd3911Wt pic.twitter.com/8SexEVXpTN— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2023
OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) January 8, 2023
As called on the Buffalo Bills Radio Network: pic.twitter.com/mZwbmIsi9L
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) January 8, 2023
