Damar Hamlin 'fully cleared' to play football again just 3 months after scary, on-field collapse



Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been "fully cleared" by medical professionals to return to professional football, the team has confirmed.

General Manager Brandon Beane shared the good news at a press conference on Tuesday morning. Hamlin is "cleared to resume full activities just like anyone else who is coming back from an injury," Beane stated.

Beane explained that Hamlin remains in touch with medical specialists, who have all approved Hamlin for a full return to play. "They're all in agreement," Beane said. "...They're all in lockstep" that Hamlin should be able to play without further restrictions.

"He's fully cleared, he's here, and he's ... in a great headspace to come back and make his return," Beane concluded.

Per GM Brandon Beane, Damar Hamlin has been cleared to resume full football activities.@HamlinIsland is in Buffalo and in a great headspace. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/wa2ZfGm8mX
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 18, 2023

"Glad to have you back, 3," the team tweeted on Tuesday in support of Hamlin, who wears number 3.

Hamlin's full clearance seems like a fitting conclusion to a recovery that some have described as "miraculous." On January 2, Hamlin appeared to make a routine tackle on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. However, shortly after the tackle, Hamlin collapsed to the ground, prompting medical personnel to perform life-saving measures on the field in Paycor Stadium. Reports indicate that Hamlin had to be resuscitated twice that night, once on the field and once later at the hospital. The game was ultimately canceled.

At just 24 years old, Hamlin had gone into cardiac arrest and was initially listed in critical condition. However, within days, he was communicating with teammates via FaceTime, and before the end of the month, Hamlin had already released a video which showed him in good health and in good spirits.

Hamlin's health scare quickly took on a religious component. The day after Hamlin's collapse, ESPN host Dan Orlovsky spontaneously led fellow "NFL Live" panelists in prayer for Hamlin's recovery, and players from around the league soon began wearing warm-up shirts that read, "Pray for Damar." Bills quarterback Josh Allen claimed that the team experienced a "spiritual awakening" soon after the incident, and after his release from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Hamlin made several public appearances praising God for his recovery and for those who have assisted him along the way.

"What happened to me on Monday Night Football, I feel, is a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share my passion and my love directly from my heart with the entire world," he said.

Hamlin, Allen, and the rest of the Bills likely have high expectations for themselves next year after falling short again last season. On January 21, less than three weeks after Hamlin's collapse, the Bills had their Super Bowl aspirations thwarted for the second year in a row when they lost to the Bengals in the divisional round of the playoffs. NFL schedules for the 2023-24 season have not yet been released, but the Bills will likely begin their season in the first or second week of September.

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Pittsburgh Steelers panned for possibly mocking Damar Hamlin's recent medical emergency



NFL fans and casual followers alike have taken to social media to criticize what they perceived to be an attempt from the Pittsburgh Steelers to mock a serious medical emergency which occurred during an NFL game a week ago.

Last Monday, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, just 24 years old, went into cardiac arrest after taking a hard hit to the chest during a primetime Monday Night Football match-up against the Cincinnati Bengals, who lead the AFC North division. The moments following Hamlin's collapse were truly harrowing. Hamlin went into such medical distress that officials had to perform CPR on him on the field, and players from both teams soon began crying. The game had to be temporarily suspended and then ultimately canceled.

Fortunately, Hamlin seems to have since made a remarkable recovery. Reports indicate that he has been discharged from the hospital, where he has been tweeting robustly for the past three days. When the Bills took on the New England Patriots on Sunday, Hamlin tweeted, "GameDay.. 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!"

\u201cGameDay.. 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! \ud83e\udef6\ud83c\udffe3\ufe0f\u20e3 let\u2019s go @BuffaloBills \u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\udc99\u201d
— \ud835\udc03\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc07\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27 (@\ud835\udc03\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc07\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc26\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27) 1673194640

Fans, players, sports pundits, and people of good will everywhere have continued to pray fervently for Hamlin's recovery. In a truly moving moment before their game Sunday afternoon, the Steelers and their bitter rivals, the Cleveland Browns, gathered at midfield and knelt in solemn prayer for Hamlin.

\u201cPrayers up \ud83d\ude4f\n\n#LoveForDamar\u201d
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@Pittsburgh Steelers) 1673200154

However, late in the fourth quarter, the Steelers seemed to belie that show of solidarity for Hamlin. At the very least, they performed an ill-timed celebration that seemed to mock Hamlin's medical emergency. With 30 seconds left in the game and Pittsburgh up two touchdowns, Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith managed to sack Browns QB Deshaun Watson for more than ten yards. After he made the hit, Highsmith laid prostrate on the ground, and soon afterwards, an unidentified teammate walked up to him and pretended to perform CPR, the same life-saving medical intervention Hamlin received only a few days before.

\u201cSteelers players did a mock CPR celebration after their sack of Deshaun Watson.\u201d
— Dan Zaksheske (@Dan Zaksheske) 1673212755

Despite the appearance of poor sportsmanship, several people and outlets, including Blitzburgh, which covers the Steelers extensively, noted that the team regularly performs the CPR celebration on the field and argued that the Highsmith incident on Sunday was just "bad timing" and likely unrelated to Hamlin.

\u201cFans who haven\u2019t watched much of the Steelers haven\u2019t seen them do the CPR celebration before, but think it was bad timing. Steelers do it all the time prior to Hamlin\u2019s situation. They weren\u2019t intending to mock Damar Hamlin whatsoever. #Steelers #NFL\u201d
— Blitzburgh (@Blitzburgh) 1673227999

After the game, Highsmith, a self-described "Follower of Jesus Christ," tweeted out a scripture verse to indicate he was praying for Hamlin.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" wrote Highsmith, quoting from Psalm 133 and including the picture of the Steelers and Browns united in prayer.

Still, many fans have stated that they have now lost much of their respect for the Steelers organization.

"Steelers defense celebrated a sack by performing CPR. Of all weeks… not a great look. Yikes," wrote Gunz of "The Gunz Show."

Coleman Bentley of Golf Digest wrote, "[T]o the surprise of absolutely no one the Pittsburgh Steelers locked up the NFL's number-one classless seed on Sunday."

Others have also characterized the move "classless," while NFL Memes called it "literally the WORST possible sack celebration this week."

Both the Steelers and the Browns had already been eliminated from playoff contention before Sunday's game even began, so the Steelers' 28-14 win was just for bragging rights. Meanwhile, Hamlin's Bills defeated the Patriots 35-23 and will face the Miami Dolphins in a Wild Card game on January 15. The winner of that game will advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills fans facing felony charges for allegedly using fake vaccination cards to attend playoff game, posting about it on social media



A New York couple is facing felony charges after they allegedly used fake COVID-19 vaccination cards to attend a Buffalo Bills playoff game. Authorities said they were tipped off about the couple because the fans posted about getting into NFL games with fake vaccine cards.

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn said in a press conference on Wednesday that a husband and wife gained access to Highmark Stadium on Jan. 15 using fake vaccine cards to watch the playoff game between the Bills and the New England Patriots.

Michael Naab, 34, and Amber Naab, 37, were enjoying the Bills roughing up the Patriots up until the third quarter when officers with the Erie County Sheriff's Office escorted the couple out of their seats to interrogate them about their COVID-19 vaccination cards.

Flynn revealed that the Buffalo Bills organization was already aware of the couple from West Seneca, New York, after an anonymous tip. The Naabs purportedly posted messages about unlawfully attending Bills' home games in the past by using fake vaccine cards.

"Allegedly there had been some social media activity in previous games and someone saw it on social media and called the Buffalo Bills or called the health department and made an anonymous tip that these two individuals were allegedly posting that they had been gotten into Bills games prior," Flynn said.

Flynn noted that the couple "probably" would have gotten away with using the fake vaccination cards if it wasn't for the social media posts.

The Buffalo Bills website states:

All guests ages 5-11 will be required to present proof of at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccination. All guests age 12 and older are required to provide proof of complete vaccination. People are considered fully vaccinated: 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's vaccine.

The football team emphasizes: "No exceptions will be made to the vaccine requirement."

The Bills have required proof of COVID-19 vaccination since September.

The Buffalo Bills reportedly told authorities that they wanted to prosecute the couple.

On Tuesday, the couple was arrested and charged with one count each of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a Class D felony. Both suspects pleaded not guilty, according to Kait Munro, a spokesperson for the DA's office.

If convicted, the charges carry a maximum of seven years in prison. However, Flynn said that prison sentence would "absolutely not" be on the table.

"I would readily admit, this is not the Kennedy assassination," Flynn said during the news conference. "I readily admit this is not the crime of the century."

"At the end of the day, I’m not going to jam them up," he continued. "But I can’t just let them go."

WIVB-TV reported, "Reached by phone Wednesday, Amber Naab had no comment. Her attorney, Peter Todaro, declined to comment as well. Sunil Bakshi, the lawyer representing Michael Naab, also declined to comment on his client’s behalf."

The Naabs are scheduled to return to court on Feb. 22 for a hearing.

The New York State Health Department thanked Erie County and the Bills.

"NYSDOH thanks Erie County and the @BuffaloBills for working with us to help stop the use of fake vaccination cards during a recent Buffalo Bills game, following the passage of @GovKathyHochul’s #TruthInVaccination legislation," the official Twitter account for the New York health agency tweeted.

New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Dec. 22 that made the use of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards a crime.

Legislation (S.4516-C/A.7536-B) adds clarification that a COVID Vaccination Card shall be considered a written instrument for purposes of the forgery statute which makes the falsification of COVID-19 Vaccination Cards a class D felony. It also creates a new E felony of computer tampering in the third degree for intentional entering, alteration or destruction of "computer material" regarding COVID-19 vaccine provisions. Individuals who misrepresent their vaccination history, not only jeopardize their own health, but the health of all those they come into contact with. This legislation ensures that as New York opens up and many businesses choose to rely on checking vaccination status, the falsification of vaccination records will not be tolerated.

Chiefs fans pay respect to Bills Mafia, donate thousands to Buffalo children's hospital after gut-wrenching defeat



In a nod to Buffalo Bills fans — who are known around the league for their charitable giving — the Kansas City Chiefs faithful this week started donating thousands of dollars to a children's hospital in Buffalo, New York, to commemorate the team's playoff win against the Bills last weekend.

In the divisional-round playoffs Sunday night, the defending AFC champion Chiefs responded to a Bills touchdown by driving the field in just 13 seconds to score a game-tying field goal at the end of regulation. They would go on to receive the ball in overtime and win the game 42-36.

It was one of the most heartbreaking losses in Buffalo Bills franchise history.

But after the game, Chiefs fans decided to turn the gut-wrenching loss into a positive thing for the Buffalo community. Starting Tuesday, they began donating in $13 increments to the Patricia Allen Fund at Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo. The fund is named after Bills quarterback Josh Allen's grandmother, who passed away last year.

As of Wednesday morning, nearly 10,000 Chiefs fans had donated a massive $178,000 total haul.

The hospital acknowledged the acts of kindness on Twitter by saying "our hearts are warm" and "we are overwhelmed." It added the support will go a long way toward ensuring great care for children and their families in Western New York.

Despite a heartbreaking @BuffaloBills loss Sunday night, our hearts are warm this morning waking up to $13 donations coming from @ChiefsMMZ @Chiefs fans! Thank you all so much, your support helps ensure great care for the kids and families in WNY @JoshAllenQB
— Oishei Children's Hospital (@Oishei Children's Hospital) 1643118062
An incredible $178,000 from over 9800 donors has been donated in just over 24 hours from #ChiefsKingdom Thank you all! These donations help the ongoing need and ensure our team has the tools, training and programs to care for the kids in WNY pic.twitter.com/wWXvDXxjXF
— Oishei Children's Hospital (@Oishei Children's Hospital) 1643206931

According to ESPN, the original idea, spawned by a Chiefs Kingdom Facebook group, was to donate in $13 increments to quarterback Patrick Mahomes' charity, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. But then Chiefs fans changed their plans, inspired by the past charitable giving of the Buffalo Bills fan base, known colloquially as the "Bills Mafia."

Last November, after discovering that Josh Allen had played a game after just losing his grandmother, scores of Bills fans stepped up to donate in $17 increments — Allen's number — to Oishei Children's in support of the franchise quarterback. By the end of the year, the amount surpassed $1 million.

The donation frenzy quickly garnered national headlines and sparked the creation of the Patricia Allen Fund with input from Allen and his family. Now there is the Patricia Allen Pediatric Recovery Wing at Oishei Children's, where donations go to benefit the critical care team and provide equipment, training, and education.

In 2017, Bills fans similarly donated to then-Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton's foundation after Dalton threw a game-winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens, granting the Bills a playoff berth for the first time in 17 years.

The fan base has similarly donated to foundations represented by Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White following his season-ending ACL injury and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson following the team's playoff loss to the Bills in 2020.

The Chiefs are scheduled to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC championship game this weekend.

Cole Beasley helps unvaccinated NFL fan skirt Bills' COVID rule by giving him free tickets to a road game



Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley has been a lightning rod for controversy ever since he pushed back against the NFL's COVID-19 protocols when the league introduced the restrictions back in June. Beasley called the NFL's COVID rules "crazy" in the summer and said the "players association is a joke" for agreeing to the NFL's terms that are "not for the players." Now, Beasley is sure to stir the pot with his latest decision to give an unvaccinated NFL fan free tickets to road games in a way to skirt the Bills' COVID regulations at home games.

The Buffalo Bills announced on Tuesday that proof of COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement to gain entry to home games at Highmark Stadium. For the home games on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, fans will be required to furnish proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting on Oct. 31, Bills fans will need to be fully vaccinated to see their team play at Highmark Stadium. Children under the age of 12 do not need to be vaccinated, but are required to wear a face mask. A negative coronavirus test is not an option.

"We've worked collaboratively with the county over the last several weeks, months, all throughout the pandemic," Ron Raccuia, the vice president of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, which owns the BIlls, said. "We are looking to provide the safest environment for our fans that we possibly can. We're thankful for this collaboration. We feel like this is the right move going forward."

The Bills become the fourth NFL team to require proof of vaccination to attend home games, joining the Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints.

Some Bills fans strongly objected to the vaccine mandate. Two unvaccinated fans voiced frustration over the new vaccine mandate since they had already purchased tickets for future games when only vaccinated people would be allowed to go to Bills home games.

"Sad day for me as a Buffalo fan," a Bills fan said on Twitter. "I was bringing my 10 year old daughter to her first game in December all the way from Albuquerque. Already bought tickets. I won't get the shot so now I don't know what to do. I probably need to sell the tickets and find an away game."

Beasley responded to the Bills fan in New Mexico by offering the fan free tickets to an away game.

"If you find an away game you are able to go to then I will buy the tickets for you guys," Beasley replied. "DM me names and every thing snd [sic] I'll figure out the best way to make it happen. Wish she could witness the mafia!"

The Bills fan, Chris Hauquitz, told the Buffalo News that Beasley was working on getting him tickets to the Oct. 10 game in Kansas City.

"I've had Covid, so in my opinion, I've already got the antibodies," Hauquitz said. "I think they're just as good as the vaccine. The vaccine came out pretty rushed. I don't really know all the information. In my opinion, there's so little information out there and it all seems to be one-sided. And then, personally, my religious beliefs. I think God created me for a purpose. He has a plan for my life. And whether I have the vaccine or not, I'm taken care of."

Beasley previously said it is his "personal choice" as to why he decides not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In June, the slot wide receiver said, "That means I don't have to explain to anyone why I do what I do. Just like everything else in my life."

Another Bills fan was disappointed to see the vaccine mandates implemented at home games, and Buffalo long-snapper Reid Ferguson offered him free tickets to an away game.

"Well damn. Was so excited to see the @BuffaloBills play at home for the first time ever, especially being from Nebraska. But I guess the new rules for the stadium will keep me out. I guess I'll have to watch @SnapFlow69 from the parking lot if I even go to Buffalo now," the fan wrote on Twitter, and tagged Ferguson on the tweet.

Ferguson replied, "I hear you brother. If you can find your way to an away game this year, tix are on me."

Bills Mafia generosity amazes after Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson left game with injury



On Saturday, the Buffalo Bills met the Baltimore Ravens in western New York, facing off for their divisional playoff game. In the second half, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was forced to leave the game after sustaining an injury that triggered the NFL's concussion protocol.

Presented with the fact that the star player of the only team standing in the way of the Buffalo Bills returning to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 1994 was now out of the game, Bills fans responded by rallying to raise money for Jackson's favorite charity, "Blessings in a Backpack." After the game ended, with Buffalo winning 17-3, charitable donations from the "Bills Mafia" came pouring into the organization, which provides food for needy elementary school children across America.

"It started around 11:30 last night, and our donation box just started flooding with donations from Bills fans for Lamar. It's just been overwhelming -- in the best possible way," Blessings in a Backpack's Nikki Grizzle told ESPN.

Bills fans posted to social media encouraging others to donate $8 or more to the charity in honor of Jackson, who wears number 8, wishing him a speedy recovery as well.

Class act: #BillsMafia donating to one of Lamar Jackson’s favorite charities overnight, after he left the AFC divis… https://t.co/kriz8acejQ
— Rick Ritter (@Rick Ritter)1610867297.0
MOUNT UP, #BillsMafia! ❤️💙 https://t.co/Rwk9C7Kiee
— Buffalo Bills (@Buffalo Bills)1610907330.0

Grizzle said that as of 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, more than 9,000 people had already donated over $240,000 to the charity. As of Monday morning, donations reportedly grew close to $300,000.

As the donations from #BillsMafia approach $300k, I just want to thank everyone who has donated to @BlessinBackpack… https://t.co/ZfX1QAf4aW
— Eric Wood (@Eric Wood)1610973585.0

The Baltimore Ravens acknowledged the Bills Mafia for their magnanimity in victory.

Respect, @BuffaloBills and #BillsMafia https://t.co/MHRCe5XKJt
— Baltimore Ravens (@Baltimore Ravens)1610908279.0

Bills fans are earning a reputation for their generous giving. Last November, Bills quarterback Josh Allen learned that his paternal grandmother Patricia Allen had died suddenly, the day before the Bills were set to play against the Seattle Seahawks. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott gave Allen the opportunity to sit out the game to grieve, but Allen instead elected to keep playing and led the team to a 44-34 victory over Seattle, throwing for 415 yards and three touchdowns.

After Allen's outstanding performance, the Bills Mafia launched a fundraising campaign for the John R. Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo, donating in Patricia's name. Many fans donated in increments of $17, honoring Allen's jersey number, and since November over $1 million has been donated to the hospital.

Grizzle summarized the charity of the Bills Mafia with a single word.

"Amazing," she said. "And it just keeps rolling in."

On Sunday Jan. 24, the Buffalo Bills will play against 2020 Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC Championship and the right to travel to Tampa for Super Bowl LV.