The NFL and the entire nation are currently still in shock after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest immediately after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Monday, and today some personnel from the New York Giants spoke about the incident publicly for the first time.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll opened his media availability with some words about Hamlin and showed support for those around him, clearly still shaken by the situation. As their offensive coordinator, Daboll was a part of the Bills’ coaching staff last season.
“Our organization, myself, Joe [Schoen], the players, some of the coaches, some of the staff members. A lot of us have been around Damar [Hamlin]. We offer our prayers to him, to his family, to the people in [the Buffalo Bills] organization”, Daboll said. “Just pray for recovery. It was tough.”
Brian Daboll on Damar Hamlin via SNY
Daboll was seen during practice today wearing a Giants hat with Hamlin’s number 3 on it, further showing his support for the 24-year-old.
Some players on the Giants also have close relations with Hamlin, having played with him in Buffalo in the past.
Giants third-string quarterback Davis Webb had been with the Bills’ practice squad from 2019-21 and even played in an NFL game for them last season. He spoke to reporters on Wednesday and had some very kind words to say about the Bills’ safety.
“Great player, really. But first and foremost, a great person, great leader, goes about his business, leads by example”, Webb said. “He’s a strong, strong individual, though. So I know if anyone can through what he’s dealt [with], it’s him.”
Davis Webb on Damar Hamlin via SNY
Giants’ wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, who has started to breakout for the team in recent weeks, was on the Bills’ practice squad earlier this season.
Hodgins spoke about how much the incident has worried him, and is trying to maintain contact with those closest to him.
“It’s definitely tough, man. Knowing him on a personal level, just trying to keep in contact with as many people in that organization, trying to get updates, trying to stay posted because it definitely is tough. I can’t imagine what his family and close relatives are really going through right now.”
Isaiah Hodgins on Damar Hamlin via SNY
Giants DB Nick McCloud, who played with Hamlin in Buffalo last season, also told Jordan Raanan of ESPN that the only thing on his mind during practice today was Hamlin and that it was the “toughest” practice he’s ever had to take part in.
Giants star running back Saquon Barkley also had a few words to share about Hamlin on Wednesday.
“Any time you see a guy go down, especially where you have no idea what’s really going on, it definitely hurts, definitely sucks. Just praying for him and his family and all those guys over there in Buffalo.”
Saquon Barkley on Damar Hamlin via SNY
The Hamlin incident sent shockwaves across an entire nation, and the outgoing support by the fans and other sports teams across the nation has been nothing short of incredible. The Giants joined the rest of the NFL in changing their social media profile picture to an image of Hamlin’s number 3 donning the phrase, “Pray for Damar.”
The latest update on Hamlin’s condition given by the Bills’ was that he is showing “signs of improvement” overnight.
Hamlin’s toy drive has raised over $6.5 million in the past two days.
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