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Buffalo Bills honor Damar Hamlin in team’s first game since player’s medical emergency on field

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Buffalo Bills honor Damar Hamlin in team’s first game since player’s medical emergency on field

Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty

The Buffalo Bills honored teammate Damar Hamlin on Sunday in the first game the team played since a medical emergency on the field last Monday.

In addition to wearing shirts that read “Love for Damar 3,” the Bills’ helmets also featured a No. 3 sticker, Hamlin’s number. Their jerseys also had the number sewn on the front.

During the The NFL today In the pregame show, several fans were shown holding signs in support of Hamlin. The first few minutes of the show were devoted solely to Hamlin’s update and recovery support.

“We don’t play for the name on the back (of our jersey), we play for the number on the front,” Bills quarterback Josh Allen told the team before they took the field .

About two hours before kickoff, Hamlin said via Twitter: “GameDay… Nothing I want more than to get out of this tunnel with my brothers. God is using me in a different way today. Tell someone you love them today 🫶🏾3️⃣let’s go.” go @BuffaloBills ❤️💙.”

RELATED: Buffalo Bills Confirm Damar Hamlin ‘Suffered Cardiac Arrest’ While Playing for Cincinnati Bengals

Bills head coach Sean McDermott said in an interview before the game that he had texted Hamlin that morning, but that he was also trying to “give him some space to rest “.

Hamlin tweeted before kickoff that he was actually watching the game from his bedroom with his family.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell provided an update Saturday on the 24-year-old’s condition when he said all 32 teams would wear “Love for Damar 3” jerseys during the weekend, which was the regular season finale.

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: The scoreboard illuminates a number 3 in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before a game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York . Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during the Bills' Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals and remains in intensive care. (Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: The scoreboard illuminates a number 3 in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before a game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York . Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during the Bills' Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals and remains in intensive care. (Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)

Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty

“Damar Hamlin’s inspiring progress over the past few days has lifted the spirits of NFL and football fans across the country,” Goodell wrote in a statement. message posted on social networks. “Seeing the entire NFL family – teams, players, coaches and fans like you – come together was another reminder that football is a family: human, loving and resilient.”

“I am hopeful that with his continued progress, there is a good chance that Damar himself will watch over his teammates,” Goodell continued. “We are grateful and honored to everyone who played a role as he continues his path to recovery.”

RELATED: Damar Hamlin Shares Gratitude in First Public Message Since Medical Emergency: ‘Keep Praying for Me’

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Tyler Matakevich #44 of the Buffalo Bills watches pregame before a game against the New England Patriots while wearing a shirt and hat in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin at Highmark Stadium January 8. 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during the Bills' Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals and remains in intensive care. (Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Tyler Matakevich #44 of the Buffalo Bills watches pregame before a game against the New England Patriots while wearing a shirt and hat in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin at Highmark Stadium January 8. 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during the Bills' Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals and remains in intensive care. (Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)

Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty

Later Saturday, Hamlin posted his first message on social media since the medical emergency.

“Putting love into the world comes back 3x…grateful to everyone who reached out and prayed,” Hamlin tweeted Saturday afternoon. “This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!”

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The 12-3 Bills will face the 8-8 New England Patriots at home on Sunday. Buffalo has already won the playoffs, sitting in first place in the AFC East, while the Patriots remain in the race.

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