In his postgame interview, Allen said that Kevin Kearns, the Bills’ director of communications, told him that “it’s been three years and three months since the last kickoff return [for the Bills]. So, it’s pretty cool.”
The number 3 showed up in more statistics, as CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson told Allen after the game that he threw three touchdown passes and that the Bills defense made three interceptions.
Wolfson said that 3 “is a pretty special number this week.”
Late in the first quarter of the Jan. 2 away game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin tackled opposing receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins led with his shoulder into Hamlin’s chest before being brought to the ground. In videos of the injury, Hamlin can be seen standing up after the tackle and then collapsing straight back.
In a statement Jan. 3, the Bills said that Hamlin suffered from cardiac arrest after the hit. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was brought to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in an ambulance, the Bills said.
Hamlin received CPR while on the field and was brought off on a stretcher, according to NFL.com. Hamlin was sedated and listed in critical condition, the statement said.
The game was suspended and canceled after the incident.
Hamlin posted a photo of himself in his hospital room making the sign of a heart with his hands before the 1 p.m. EST game on Sunday.
“GAMETIME!!! @BuffaloBills,” he wrote.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
The Bills said on Jan. 6 that “per the physicians at [University of Cincinnati Medical Center], Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery. His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team.”
Joseph Bukuras is a journalist at the Catholic News Agency. Joe has prior experience working in state and federal government, in non-profits, and Catholic education. He has contributed to an array of publications and his reporting has been cited by leading news sources, including the New York Times and the Washington Post. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the Catholic University of America. He is based out of the Boston area.