Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin takes a trip to connect with St. Louis patients

ST. LOUIS – Jayden Williams never imagined he could relate to a professional football player. That is, until he sat down face-to-face with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

“I felt like I was talking to another person, a person like me,” Williams said. “To see that there is an NFL player who actually experienced something that concerns me and is still doing what he loved to do. It really, honestly is the best.

Both Williams and Hamlin have had to overcome life-threatening heart problems.

In January 2023, Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after being hit in the chest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin recovered and played outstandingly for Buffalo the following season.

The 26-year-old visited St. Louis-area hospitals on Wednesday to promote his new venture with cardiovascular care company Abbott Heartmates. The goal is to create a supportive community of people affected by cardiovascular disease.

“It’s always a special experience to walk into a hospital and visit with patients who may have experienced something similar to me,” Hamlin said. “I’m just doing my part and doing God’s work. »

Hamlin met with young patients who are or have received care for their heart conditions, and signed soccer balls and hats for the children.

“Having someone to advocate for heart health really means a lot to (patients),” said ________ Kaitlyn Meara. “It shows them that they are capable of doing things even after something as scary as what Damar went through.”

For him, it’s about paying it forward.

“Being able to have my experiences and then being able to help the next person on their journey, that’s what life is all about,” he said.