After a life-changing incident on the football field at the beginning of 2023, Damar Hamlin is using his second chance to pay it forward in a huge way.

According to USA Today, the Buffalo Bills safety has officially launched a scholarship to honor the medical team that saved his life that day.

New Scholarship Program, Chasing M's Foundation

“Last night I had dinner with my heroes,” Hamlin said in a post shared via social media. “10 of the UC Medical Staff that helped save my life. I surprised them with a scholarship named after each of them that will support youth in Cincy to chase their dreams. Wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them!”

What’s more, Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation will present 10 individuals from underserved communities in Cincinnati, OH, with the $1,000 scholarships over the next three years.

Honoring His Heroes

Each award is named in honor of the 10 first responders, doctors, and nurses who took care of Hamlin after he went into cardiac arrest on the field during an NFL matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2.

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to set up a scholarship program to honor this team of professions – my Cincinnati heroes – who helped save my life on January 2,” Hamlin said in an official news release about the new endeavor. 

He continued: “I created this scholarship program to recognize each of them for what they have done for me, while also lifting up kids in underserved communities who are in need of some support as they look to go to a private high school, trade school or on to college.”

The move arrived this past weekend, during an emotional return to the Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati just short of a year since Hamlin’s medical emergency took place.

 

This is the second game that Hamlin has played in all season, as he comes into his third year with the Buffalo Bills.