The Buffalo Bills defender, Damar Hamlin, recovering after suffering a cardiac arrest during an NFL game last Monday, thanked the "received love" from fans and his colleagues and described the displays of affection as "overwhelming."
NFL players, coaches, and fans once again showed their support for Hamlin before Saturday's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, the first action in the league since the injury that caused the suspension of the Bills' game against the Cincinnati Bengals last Monday.
The players and coaching staff at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas wore shirts with the message "Love for 3 Damar," while Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wore a hoodie with the slogan "Hamlin Strong" on the back and an image of the player.
Shortly after the kickoff of the Chiefs-Las Vegas game, Hamlin posted his first comments since the injury, which prompted great excitement and support.
"When you put true love into the world, it comes back to you 3 (his jersey number) times more. The Love has been overwhelming, but I am grateful for every person who prayed for me and reached out to me," Hamlin, 24, wrote on his Instagram account.