Someone grab the tissues, please?
Damar Hamlin made his emotional return to the Buffalo Bills' stadium – and the footage is a real tear-jerker.
Earlier this month, the NFL was rocked when Hamlin collapsed on the field after making a tackle in the first quarter of the Bills-Bengals game.
In truly shocking scenes, doctors and trainers were seen giving Hamlin CPR in front of the players, coaches and fans in attendance before he was eventually rushed out of the stadium in an ambulance.
Advert
The game was ultimately cancelled.
Scans have since confirmed that the Bills safety suffered a cardiac arrest, although he has seemingly made a remarkable recover, being discharged from hospital less than two weeks later.
Now the 24-year-old has returned to Highmark Stadium, sparking a mass standing ovation from the Buffalo faithful.
Ahead of the game against against the Cincinnati Bengals, footage emerged of Hamlin being driven in a cart to the locker rooms. Included in the clip was the arrival of two other people reportedly Hamlin’s mother and younger brother.
The Bills' official Twitter account also posted video of his entrance, captioning it: “Welcome home, @HamlinIsland.”
Upon seeing this vision, fans got excited that they might catch a glimpse of Hamlin – and they weren't disappointed.
With just two minutes remaining in the first half, a voice appeared over the PA system announcing that Hamlin was in attendance.
The camera then panned out to the big screen where a figure could be seen holding up a heart sign with his fingers.
It was Hamlin.
And he was throwing up the same symbol that he did when he first took to social media during his recovery.
When his face appeared on the big screen, Highmark Stadium erupted as spectators cheered and clapped for the returning fans favourite.
Despite the harsh snow coming from all angles, the Bills star braved the cold and completed his emotional second coming.
It made for truly special scenes – one that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
Topics: NFL, American Football
Max Sherry