Team Love
The injury and subsequent cardiac arrest that Damar Hamlin experienced Monday night was shocking and horrifying to everyone (millions) watching, and for his teammates on the field to a level hard for us to imagine. Fearing the worst outcome, I was praying for the best.
The outpouring of emotion of both the Bills and Bengals players was understandable and not surprising. They saw their teammate or respected opponent stricken — CPR being administered, his heart not beating, and his survival very much in doubt. These men experience a level of brotherhood and loyalty few of us ever have or will experience.
I have never played NFL football, so I don’t know what it’s like. But I have played the game at a level where you prepare all year round, you compete intensely for playing time, you give it everything you’ve got, you grow to love your teammates, and all that effort gets rewarded with the satisfaction of playing well, winning, and carrying with you some valuable life lessons.
When the level of skill, hard work, commitment and total effort increases to the level required to play in the NFL, I am sure your love of your teammates and their special place in your life grows exponentially.
There are of course many other ways to experience some level of this “team love”, and I encourage you to reflect on it and cherish it if you’ve experienced it, to make the most of it if you experience it today or seek it out if you have not.
Among Damar’s first words when he emerged from his coma were “did we win?”. Later, further on in his recovery, he joined a team meeting via Facetime and told his teammates “love you boys”.
His recovery is the stuff of miracles and the product of modern medical technology and a strong resilient young mind and body. The joy the millions following his recovery are feeling is palpable, rare, and uniquely human. And even more so for his immediate family and his other family — the Buffalo Bills players.
Godspeed and prayers for you Damar Hamlin — may you live a long and satisfy life, doing whatever you wish with the same passion and excellence you’ve brought to game of football.
