On Thursday, Buffalo Bill security Damar Hamlin went to the White House to visit President Joe Biden. Hamlin went into cardiac arrest last season during a Monday night game against the Bengals, requiring CPR and an automated external defibrillation on the field, before being taken to a hospital in Cincinnati. Since then, Hamlin has made incredible progress in his recovery and has received a lot of support from the football world and beyond.
Biden commemorated the visit by tweeting a photo with Hamlin in the Oval Office.
Biden wrote: “Damar Hamlin’s courage, resilience and spirit inspired the American people. And what’s more, he turned recovery into action – and our country has benefited from it. I was honored to have him and his family here today. to have.”
Hamlin responded with a quote tweet, also saying it was his honor to attend the meeting.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to meet you today. I know your time is precious and I wouldn’t waste a second of it! Our conversations were valuable,” Hamlin wrote, adding “#UncleJoe.”
The White House Press Service issued a statement about the meeting, noting that Hamlin has made efforts to make lifesaving technologies available to more people.
“Today, the President welcomed Buffalo Bill’s security Damar Hamlin and his family to the White House,” the statement read (via the Washington Examiner). “The President thanked Damar for his courage, resilience and determination that has inspired the American people. He commended Damar for his efforts, including through legislation, to bring people together and make lifesaving technologies more widely available.”
Appearing with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) and Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Hamlin spoke about a bill that would make defibrillators more available in public and private elementary and high schools. The technology helped save Hamlin’s life and he wants to pay it forward by helping others.
Biden previously spoke to Hamlin’s parents during a trip to Cincinnati two days after the incident.
Hamlin has not been cleared to play football, but there is a possibility that he will return to the field. NFL medical director Allen Sills has previously said that when the time comes, advisers will sit down with Hamlin, his family and his agents to discuss what they know about his health and any risks associated with returning to football.