Damar Hamlin is an American football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the NFL.
He gained recognition after a cardiac arrest incident during a game, leading to a remarkable recovery and return to football.
Hamlin’s story captivated many as he overcame commotio cordis, a rare condition, and emphasized the importance of CPR and AEDs in saving lives.
His journey included hospitalization, discharge, and subsequent return to playing, inspiring many with his resilience and determination.
Additionally, Hamlin has been involved in community initiatives like hosting CPR events and supporting legislation for AED access.
Early life
Hamlin, born on March 24, 1998, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, grew up in a close-knit family environment.
He attended Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, excelling in both football and basketball.
Despite facing challenges like his father’s imprisonment during his childhood, Hamlin’s determination and talent led him to become a standout athlete.
His journey continued at the University of Pittsburgh, where he played college football for the Panthers before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2021.
Hamlin’s strong family ties are evident in his close relationship with his parents, Mario and Nina Hamlin, and his younger brother.
He values their support immensely and often expresses gratitude for their role in his life.
This family bond has been a source of strength for Hamlin throughout his career, highlighting the importance of his roots in shaping his success both on and off the field.
Net worth
Hamlin’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.5 million as of 2023, with a projected increase to $3.2 million by the end of 2024.
His earnings primarily stem from his professional football career, including a base salary of $825,000, endorsem*nts totaling $200,000 and additional income from business ventures.
Hamlin’s financial success is also supported by his clothing line, Chasing M’s, and investments in NFTs and real estate.
As a rising star in the NFL, Hamlin’s net worth reflects both his on-field achievements and entrepreneurial endeavors, positioning him as a notable figure to watch in the sports industry.
How did Damar Hamlin make his fortune?
Hamlin accumulated his net worth primarily through his successful football career in the NFL, lucrative endorsem*nt deals and smart investments.
As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, with projections to reach $3 million by the end of 2024.
Hamlin’s financial success stems from his NFL contract with the Buffalo Bills, which includes a signing bonus, guaranteed salary, and annual earnings, contributing significantly to his net worth.
Additionally, he has diversified his income through ventures like his fashion brand Chasing M’s, investments in NFTs and real estate holdings.
His strategic financial decisions and growing popularity in the sports industry have positioned him as a rising star not only on the field but also in the realm of business and investments.
Endorsem*nt deals
Hamlin has secured various endorsem*nt deals and sponsorships that significantly contribute to his net worth.
These partnerships not only boost his income but also enhance his public image and marketability.
As his popularity rises, more lucrative endorsem*nt deals are expected to come his way, further enhancing his net worth.
Additionally, Hamlin has ventured into the fashion industry with his brand Chasing M’s, which has been steadily growing since its establishment in 2017, becoming a significant part of his earnings.
Furthermore, he has shown financial acumen by investing in Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and real estate, with reports indicating that he resides in an upscale apartment complex in Hamburg, New York, showcasing another important component of his net worth.
Don’t Quit deal
Hamlin’s partnership with Don’t Quit, a sports nutrition brand, goes beyond a typical endorsem*nt deal.
He has become an equity partner in the company, showcasing a deeper level of involvement and commitment to the brand.
This collaboration highlights Hamlin’s resilience and determination, aligning with Don’t Quit’s ethos of fueling perseverance through clean and healthy energy and protein products.
The partnership was solidified after Hamlin’s remarkable recovery from a cardiac arrest incident during a game, emphasizing his personal connection to the brand’s message of perseverance
The mission of Don’t Quit, LLC, a sports nutrition brand, is centered around fueling perseverance through clean and healthy energy and protein products.
The company emphasizes sustainability in its operations, addressing social, environmental and economic impacts on the world through sustainable packaging and quality product.
Don’t Quit’s products are designed for health-conscious individuals who seek clean energy and protein options without artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners across its portfolio.
The brand aims to inspire individuals to overcome life’s challenges with determination and resilience, highlighting stories of perseverance and motivation to fuel perseverance in all aspects of life.
Through its range of sports energy, hydration drinks, protein drinks, and upcoming adult nutrition shakes, Don’t Quit strives to support individuals in their fitness journeys and daily activities with products that promote health and vitality.
Boss collaboration
Hamlin’s partnership with Boss, a German-based fashion house, has provided him with the opportunity to delve into the fashion industry and build his own fashion brand.
As part of this collaboration, Boss has expanded its involvement in professional sports, including the NFL, by creating a limited collection ahead of the NFL Draft and launching a 22-team expanded collection featuring shirts, joggers, hoodies, polos and cold-weather gear.
Hamlin, along with other NFL players like Patrick Mahomes and Trevon Diggs, starred in the campaign for this collection, showcasing his passion for fashion and design.
This partnership not only allows Hamlin to explore his interest in fashion but also provides him with valuable connections and resources in the industry to further develop his own brand, Chasing Millions.
Through this collaboration with Boss, Hamlin aims to continue growing his brand and learning from the fashion house as he pursues his goals in the fashion world.
Chasing Millions apparel
Hamlin’s Chasing M’s clothing line, established in 2017, has garnered significant attention and success.
The brand, which stands for Chasing Millions, embodies Hamlin’s pursuit of life dreams and resilience.
The M in the brand name symbolizes millions, reflecting not just monetary goals but also the pursuit of personal aspirations.
The Chasing M’s Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization associated with the brand, gained prominence through a GoFundMe campaign that started in 2020 with a modest goal of $2,500.
However, the foundation has since raised over $8.6 million from more than 244,000 donations, showcasing the widespread support for Hamlin’s endeavors.
The clothing line features a range of merchandise, including sweatsuits, hoodies and windbreakers with motivational phrases like Love Me Before They All Do and Did We Win?
The sales of these items not only promote the brand but also contribute to charitable causes.
For instance, proceeds from the Did We Win? shirts benefit first responders and the UC Trauma Center that aided in saving Hamlin’s life after his health scare.
Equity deal with B Generous
Hamlin’s equity deal with B Generous marks a significant milestone in his philanthropic endeavors.
This partnership involves Hamlin taking a stake in the FinTech company and collaborating with B Generous’ executive team to provide strategic guidance.
The initiative aims to revolutionize charitable giving by introducing innovative solutions like the Donate Now Pay Later product, which allows donors to support non-profit organizations without immediate financial strain.
Through this partnership, Hamlin and B Generous seek to empower individuals to contribute to causes they are passionate about and make a meaningful impact in communities worldwide.
This collaboration merges sports, technology, and social responsibility to create a better world for everyone, reflecting Hamlin’s dedication to making a positive difference beyond the football field.
Real estate properties
Hamlin’s real estate properties include a luxurious apartment near Highmark Stadium in Hamburg, New York.
This upscale two-story apartment, built in 2021, boasts amenities like a yoga studio, recreation room, gymnasium, heated pool, private entrances and attached garages for residents.
Additionally, Hamlin reportedly owns other real estate properties that reflect his taste for luxury and comfort.
His investments in high-end real estate align with his successful career in the NFL and his growing financial portfolio, showcasing his affinity for upscale living and smart financial decisions.
Car collection
Hamlin’s car collection includes luxury vehicles like a Ferrari 812 Superfast and a Lamborghini Aventador, reflecting his taste for high-end automobiles.
College career
Hamlin had a successful college football career at the University of Pittsburgh.
He played for the Pittsburgh Panthers from 2016 to 2020, earning All-ACC Second-Team honors following the 2020 season.
Throughout his college career, Hamlin showcased his skills as a defensive back, recording impressive stats and demonstrating his leadership on the field.
His performance at Pitt caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Hamlin’s time at Pitt not only prepared him for the NFL but also allowed him to excel both academically and athletically, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication while making significant contributions to the Panthers’ defense.
NFL career
Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, transitioned from a successful college football career at the University of Pittsburgh to the NFL.
He was selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has since made significant contributions to the team’s defense.
In his NFL career, Hamlin has shown steady progress, with notable achievements like earning All-ACC Second-Team honors during his college career in 2020.
His stats demonstrate his impact on the field, with highlights including interceptions and pass deflections that showcase his defensive prowess.
Hamlin’s dedication to community service has also been recognized, as he received the NFLPA Service Award for his ongoing work in giving back to the community.
Family
Hamlin was born to Nina and Mario Hamlin in 1998 in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
His parents were teenagers when they had him, with his mother being 16 and his father 17 years old at the time.
Despite facing challenges, including his father’s incarceration for selling drugs, the family persevered. Damar has expressed deep appreciation for his parents’ sacrifices and guidance, crediting them for instilling in him values of hard work and dedication.
He has a close relationship with his family, including his younger brother Damir, whom he cherishes and aims to mentor and be a role model for.
The Hamlin family’s journey reflects resilience, unity, and a strong bond that has been pivotal in shaping Damar’s character and success both on and off the football field.
Cardiac arrest scare
Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during an NFL game with the Cincinnati Bengals was caused by a hit to his chest, leading to a rare condition known as commotio cordis.
This condition occurs when a severe blow to the chest causes the heart to quiver and stop pumping blood efficiently, resulting in sudden cardiac arrest.
Hamlin received CPR on the field and was hospitalized for over a week following the incident.
After meeting with specialists, he was cleared to play again, with doctors attributing his cardiac arrest to commotio cordis, a rare consequence of a specific type and intensity of chest impact at a critical moment in the heartbeat cycle.
This event highlighted the importance of immediate care in cardiac emergencies and raised awareness about the risks associated with such incidents in sports, particularly among young athletes.
