Just before kickoff, Hamlin shared a photo of himself in his hospital bed. The athlete, who is seen wearing a “Love for Damar” jersey, wrote, “GAMETIME @buffalobills LFG!!!!!!”
He soon tweeted, “OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!” and “FREE HINES @TheNyNy7” in celebration of Bills player Nyheim Hines giving their team a 7-0 lead by running the opening kickoff 96 yards to score a touchdown.
Later, Hamlin wrote on Twitter, “I love you too @dawson_knox,” referring to Bills tight end Dawson Knox, who also scored a touchdown.
Ultimately, the Bills beat the Patriots 35-23.
The Bills have rallied behind Hamlin since he collapsed on the field during their Jan. 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. At the time, Hamlin was hospitalized for cardiac arrest. On Jan. 6, the athlete surprised his team by speaking to them in a video call in their locker room, telling them, “I love you boys,” head coach Sean McDermott relayed to reporters. That day, Knox tweeted, “Never underestimate the power of prayer!!!”