NFL-Bills safety Hamlin overcame childhood adversity to reach NFL

Damar Hamlin was living the NFL dream this season with the Super Bowl-contending Buffalo Bills until suffering cardiac arrest on the field during a nationally televised prime time game on Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hamlin, 24, had his heartbeat restored on the field and remains in critical condition on Tuesday as the sporting world rallies around him while others quickly learn more about his journey to the NFL, charitable efforts and love of his hometown.

Raised in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Hamlin endured plenty of adversity on his road to the NFL, including his father going to prison for three-and-a half of his formative years and losing three close friends to gun violence.

Hamlin went to Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh where he became a top-rated cornerback who earned scholarships from schools across the United States but elected to stay close to home and play for the University of Pittsburgh.

At the time, Hamlin said his decision had to do with wanting to give his city bragging rights and also so he could be around to serve as a role model for his younger brother.

"I wanted to give him that image growing up, that he can look back on and be able to model himself after," Hamlin once said. "That's something I never had. I had a bunch of examples of what not to do. I want to give him a different example."

After dealing with injuries early in his collegiate career, Hamlin led Pitt in tackles in the 2018 and 2020 seasons, the latter during which he was voted a captain by his team mates.

Hamlin was also invited to play in the Senior Bowl all-star game that showcases the best NFL Draft prospects.

"Damar Hamlin is the best of us," the University of Pittsburgh football team wrote on their Twitter account.

Accor