It was on Monday that the horror-filled scenes occurred when 24-year-old Hamlin collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest after a hard blow to the chest in a tackle situation on the road against Cincinnati.
Hamlin has made what is described as remarkable progress, but his condition remains serious.
Last Saturday, he participated via Facetime at a team meeting and sent the greeting "I love you guys" to his teammates from the hospital bed.
Warmed up with Hamlin jerseys
Before the meeting between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots, electronic signs with the message "Love for Damar 3" shone in the parking lot outside Highmark Stadium.
Supporters had taken the initiative to create a giant "krya pa you" card which was signed by many.
The players from both teams warmed up wearing shirts with tributes to Hamlin.
"Ladies wanted us to fight"
The game was then won by Hamlin's Buffalo 35–23, and when it was over the crowd in the sold-out (roughly 70,000 spectators) arena chanted “Hamlin!
Hamlin!
Hamlin” as the players held up three fingers to salute the team's number three.
- We are a community, and it felt like we needed this victory, says Buffalo's Nyheim Hines, according to the AP news agency, after which he says that Damar Hamlin's father earlier this week delivered a message from his son:
- He said that Damar wanted us to fight, and that we would win against New England.
Another Buffalo player, Tre'Davious White said Hamlin texted teammates apologizing for the mental hardship he put them through.
- So he has asked how we are?
I just want to hug the crap out of him, says White.