The clear, distinctive voice that called out signals for Pitt’s defense late in the previous decade rang out Friday throughout historic Cupples Stadium.
Damar Hamlin was back in the city he loves.
There he was, clearly the man in charge at his free-of-charge youth football camp, signing dozens of autographs, teaching defensive back technique and even at one point doing the Griddy dance to the delight of many of the 350 young people in attendance.
Damar’s work is never done, especially with 350 campers eager to meet him. pic.twitter.com/PBltp7zX8A
— Jerry DiPaola (@JDiPaola_Trib) July 7, 2023
He remains in the employ of the Buffalo Bills — he was their sixth-round draft choice in 2021 — and he has every intention of resuming his role in the team’s secondary this season, despite suffering cardiac arrest while making a tackle Jan. 2 in a game at Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium.
Damar Hamlin has dance moves, too. pic.twitter.com/wQX1dasxe7
— Jerry DiPaola (@JDiPaola_Trib) July 7, 2023
The incident that had the nation’s football-viewing fans holding their breath and praying has expanded Hamlin’s stage and his mission upon it. His recovery and subsequent return to the Bills this spring helped trigger an outpouring of nearly $10 million in donations for Hamlin’s Chasing M’s foundation.
This weekend in Pittsburgh will prove to be a special test of the will and stamina that made Hamlin, 25, an NFL player.
The first of four events was held Friday with the camp on the South Side. Microphone in hand, Hamlin helped keep campers — ages 5 to 12 — in line and paying attention. Camp counselors included Hamlin’s former Pitt teammates Dane Jackson, who also plays for the Bills, and Bricen Garner.
Damar Hamlin addresses the troops. pic.twitter.com/AwaH03UF5B
— Jerry DiPaola (@JDiPaola_Trib) July 7, 2023
It will move to the Charles L. Cost Field on Pitt’s campus Saturday for a celebrity softball game.
“I’m going to hit a couple dingers,” promised Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd, the former Clairton and Pitt star who will be among the celebrities at the game.
Sunday has been officially designated “Damar Hamlin Day” in Pittsburgh, and it will be the busiest of the three this weekend.
Chasing M’s is providing free CPR training at PNC Park from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Then, at night, there will be a football game across the river at Highmark Stadium, featuring recently graduated high school players.
Gate proceeds from the softball and football games go directly to Chasing M’s, which is purchasing AEDs for youth sports groups in Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Cincinnati.
“Damar has always done these things,” said Jordan Rooney, his marketing representative. “He’s been doing camps for years. He’s been doing charity events for years. The platform has just gotten bigger.
“Before they were coming, (and) Damar was an NFL player. Now, he’s someone who’s changed a lot of people’s lives. It’s not just about the camp. It’s the opportunity to see someone who’s taken their platform and has figured out how to inspire millions of people.”
Rooney said Hamlin’s “mission” is to promote heart health through increased AED availability and CPR awareness.
“Beyond that is how you use who you are to have a positive impact on other people,” he said. “That’s what Damar’s story has shown everyone. A lot of people would have taken a step back and said, ‘I need more time for myself.’ But he’s pushed through in a very tough situation, and said, ‘Hey, I want to figure out how this can help as many people as possible.’ He pours so much into others. And it worries me at times.”
Rooney said he tells Hamlin, “Hey, man, you have to focus on yourself.”
“And he does focus on himself, but his main priority is making sure everybody else is good.”
Garner, who has known Hamlin since their freshman year at Central Catholic, said, “I’m always for whatever he’s for, dating back to high school. We’ve been locked in forever.”
Boyd, a longtime friend, looked at Hamlin’s recovery from a life-threatening situation and said: “He’s an inspiration to these kids.”
