Damar Hamlin gives heartfelt welcome to Bills fans during stadium tour

ORCHARD PARK N.Y. (WIVB) — Several Buffalo Bills fans received a heartwarming welcome to Highmark Stadium Tuesday with a behind-the-scenes tour and meet and greet with Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

The fans are participants in Abbott’s Heartmates program , which provides support to people impacted by cardio events. They got a look inside of the Bills’ locker room, media room and got to walk on the field, where Hamlin came out to greet them.

“I have no words,” said participant Michael Brafi. “It’s truly amazing. I’m honestly so thankful for this opportunity.”

The experience is near and dear to Brafi’s heart. He went into cardiac arrest when he was just a teenager.

“Freshly 16, two days after, had a heart attack and I was in the hospital for eight days,” Brafi said.

Brafi grew up playing football and was told he wouldn’t be able to play again.

Two years later, he was back to playing sports and even played football in college at Mercyhurst University. Brafi beat the odds, the same way Hamlin did. He said Hamlin is an inspiration.

“Just seeing Damar go from such a crazy event that happened to him on the field and going right back to that same field and getting to it, it’s so inspiring,” Brafi said. “Keeps me pushing, keeps me going forward.”

“It’s a lot to be proud of, it’s a lot to be thankful for and each day,” Hamlin said. “I’m living in the moment so I can tell this story when it’s all said and done.”

Participants return to Highmark Stadium on Sunday to watch the Bills take on the Tennessee Titans.

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Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.

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