Orchard Park, N.Y. — They came wearing the No. 3 jersey. They flew “do it for Damar” flags. They drove decorated cars and held heart-shaped signs.
Fans in Orchard Park Sunday continued what’s been a week-long outpouring of support for Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills safety whose heart stopped following a tackle during Monday Night Football. Hamlin collapsed on the field, was revived, and went to the hospital by ambulance.
Sunday, just six days later, Hamlin is awake, alert and has made several overtures to his team and his fans.
Hamlin’s number three jersey became a top-seller this week. Some fans made their own shirts to honor Hamlin.
While Hamlin laid in a hospital bed in critical condition last week, he became national news. The football game was canceled — something almost unheard of in the National Football League. A charity he started to raise $2,500 for toys for kids raked in more than $8 million. President Joe Biden called Hamlin’s parents to wish them well.
When Hamlin awoke, he had no idea about any of that. His first question?
“Did we win?”
The Bills will retake the field for the first time Sunday afternoon against the New England Patriots. Stay with syracuse.com and NYUP.com for live coverage from the stadium.
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