The Buffalo Bills played its first game as safety Damar Hamlin continues to make progress in his recovery after suffering a cardiac arrest during Monday’s game against the Bengals. The Bills honored Hamlin Sunday afternoon as they went on to win 35-23 over the New England Patriots. During pregame introductions, There was also a special acknowledgement at Highmark Stadium for the medical staff who helped save Hamlin’s life Monday night during pregame introductions. The Bills came out of the tunnel waving “Pray for Damar” flags and collectively held up the No. 3 – in honor of his jersey number – with their fingers in a mid-field huddle, as well as donning “3” hats on the sidelines.

The Bills (12-3) also wore a special “3” patch on their jerseys against New England (8-8) in a game that general manager Brandon Beane said this week will be “a celebration of life.” In addition to showing their support for Hamlin on the field, the Bills plan to pay Hamlin in full despite his placement Friday on injured reserve. Hamlin’s four-year, $3.64 million rookie contract contains a standard split to pay him at a lower rate if he lands on IR, however, Buffalo worked out an agreement with the NFL and NFLPA to pay his full rate for Week 18’s game.

Hamlin took to social media Sunday to send his appreciation to the players and teams honoring him, while Bills coach Sean McDermott shared that he texted with Hamlin on Saturday night and Sunday morning: “He’s amazing. His sprit is so positive. He’s gonna be locked in. We’ll be thinking of him for sure.”  

Moments after the Bills won on Sunday, Hamlin tweeted “We all won.” Buffalo will host the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card; time and date and TBD.

Editorial credit: JoanneStrell / Shutterstock.com