Clothing can make a powerful statement. Trending T-shirts can showcase political ideologies, commemorate special occasions, or show support for local sports teams.
Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills continues to make headlines after suffering cardiac arrest on the field during their game against Cincinnati on Monday.
Love for Damar Hamlin
Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills was brought down by cardiac arrest and collapsed during Monday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals, prompting widespread support from fans and fellow players alike. Though doctors say he is making progress, his condition remains critical. Furthermore, the NFL has extended their support by wearing “3” patches on jerseys in his honor, as announced on Saturday by one team – they will wear one patch each for Hamlin.
Hamlin made his initial post since collapsing on Instagram to express his appreciation to those who had shown support for himself and his family, noting the kindness shown by everyone. He said that while they had a long road ahead, they were thankful for all of the love and prayers. Hamlin hails from McKees Rocks – an impoverished suburb of Pittsburgh – and chose the University of Pittsburgh over many other Division 1 schools because it allowed him to remain close to home. Hamlin founded Chasing M’s Foundation as a way of giving back, organizing toy drives, back-to-school events, and kids camps.
Recently, he launched a GoFundMe to raise funds for Kelly & Nina’s Daycare Center in McKees Rocks, where his mother serves as director, providing childcare to those unable to afford it. His initial goal was $2,500, but he has already exceeded it!
Hamlin’s dedication to his community has inspired many others. Former Pitt teammates such as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Patrick Jones II took to social media platforms like Twitter to show their admiration for him and his family.
The NFL has requested all teams pay tribute to Hamlin in Week 18 by donning “Love for 3” patches during pregame warmups and reading an address announcement before each game.
Love for the Bills
BUFFALO — Buffalo residents’ close relationship with its NFL team is unparalleled in any other city in the league, calling their relationship intimate and familial. On Wednesday afternoon in Jefferson Avenue on Buffalo’s east side, the Bills joined with the NHL Buffalo Sabres and National Lacrosse League Bandits to offer support and love to a community grieving after a mass shooting at Tops supermarket.
Head coach Sean McDermott and several players made an emotional trip to the memorial near the site of May 14’s racially motivated shooting that resulted in 10 deaths in order to show their compassion, love, and support to this predominantly black neighborhood. Flowers were laid as well as held a moment of silence before providing food as an act of love, support, and friendship for its residents.
After tragedy struck our city last September, this community showed it is more vital than ever – and its relationship with the Bills remains undivided. A bond that remains undivided today with every interaction, gesture of kindness, or campaign like “Love for 3.”
