After the horrific incident against the Cincinnati Bengals that saw Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin arrested on the field, Hamlin’s jersey became one of the top sellers in any sport on Fanatics.com.
The fanatics announced that all proceeds from the sale of Hamlin’s jersey will be donated to his charitable toy drive, which has now surpassed an incredible $5.5million in donations.
Hamlin remained in critical condition under sedation at the hospital, but his uncle, Dorrian Glenn, told reporters that the 24-year-old’s condition was trending in the right direction.
Fanatics co-chair Michael Rubin wrote on Twitter on Tuesday night: ‘Fans are showing an incredible outpouring of love and support for Damar Hamlin by purchasing his jersey. Fans, along with the NFL donated all proceeds from his jersey sales to the Chasing M’s Foundation. Please get well Damar.’
Damar Hamlin’s No 3 jersey has been the highest selling of any sport on Fanatics
Hamlin, 24, went into cardiac arrest playing for the Buffalo Bills on Monday night
Hamlin started his toy drive in December 2020 to buy toys for underprivileged children before the holidays.
An hour after Hamlin was injured, he received donations of more than $1 million. After 24 hours, the toy drive has raised a whopping total of over $5.5 million.
NFL stars, politicians, athletes of other sports and more have all donated large sums of money to the toy drive in support of Hamlin.
Hamlin’s cardiac arrest occurred midway through the first quarter when he tackled Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and then fell to the ground motionless seconds after standing up.
A community toy drive organized by Hamlin reached more than $5 million in donations
He was surrounded by a wall of players from both teams as medics tended to him for 16 minutes before he was taken to hospital by ambulance.
ESPN TV’s coverage initially went to four commercial breaks before returning its coverage to the studio.
While being treated, medics performed CPR and had to restore Hamlin’s heart rhythm but he was still unable to breathe under his own power.
After reports that the game would resume after a five-minute warm-up period, the two coaches directed their teams to the locker room before the game was suspended until further notice.
‘They’re sedating him just to give him a better chance of just continuing to heal. We just take it day by day. It’s like he’s trending upwards in a positive way,” Glenn explained.
‘Right now they’ve got him on a ventilator. They are trying to get him to breathe on his own. He is still in the ICU and is sedated while they continue to provide medical treatment. I am grateful to the staff who work with him.’
Hamlin (No 3) stood up briefly after tackling Higgins before collapsing in shocking scenes as the Buffalo Bills played the Cincinnati Bengals
The Bills player collapsed moments later, falling backwards and motionless on the floor
Bills players were visibly stunned as their teammate received life-saving treatment on the field
Glenn added that Hamlin had some damage to his lungs, hence the use of a ventilator.
‘It was really scary to see what we saw yesterday. It was a gut punch to see that,’ Glenn told NFL.com. ‘But I’m thankful he’s still here and still fighting.’
‘It’s heartbreaking. I’ve been awake for 24 hours. It’s good to support my nephew and be by his side. It was overwhelming to see the love and support that was out there for him. It is truly amazing.
‘It’s very everyday. Once he gets out of the ICU I will feel better. My nephew is humble. He will be floored by love. He’s a real, positive guy from the toy drive to his coaching clinic,’ Glenn said.
‘Right now they’ve got him on a ventilator. They are trying to get him to breathe on his own. He is still in the ICU and is sedated while they continue to provide medical treatment. I’m thankful for the staff that work with him,’ Hamlin’s uncle, Dorrian Glenn, said in the photo,
Buffalo Bills fans and community members gather for a candlelight vigil for Bills safety Damar Hamlin on Tuesday night
Joey Wetzler, left and Johnny Wetzler, right, sing support at a candlelight vigil Tuesday night
Fans from both teams traveled from Paycor stadium where the game was held to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where Hamlin was taken.
Both sets of fans gathered in prayer and expressed good wishes for Hamlin’s recovery.
Bills fans also gathered near Bills Stadium in Orchard Park to hold a prayer vigil for Hamlin and put up numerous candles, posters and more to congratulate him.
Buffalo Bills fans and community members gather for a candlelight vigil for the safety of Buffalo Bills Hamlin in Orchard Park, New York
Objects are placed by football fans during a vigil outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center
