ST. LOUIS – Jayden Williams never imagined he could relate to a professional football player. That is, until he sat face-to-face with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
“I felt like I was talking to another person–a person just like me,” Williams said. “Seeing that there is an NFL player that actually experienced something related to me and is still doing what he loved to do. That’s really, honestly, the best.”
Both Williams and Hamlin had to overcome life-threatening heart conditions.
In January 2023, Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after being hit in the chest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin recovered and remarkably played for Buffalo the next season.
Wednesday, the 26-year-old visited St. Louis area hospitals to promote his new venture with the cardiovascular care company, Abbott Heartmates. The goal is to create a supportive community of people impacted by cardiovascular conditions.
“It’s always a special experience, walking into any hospital and visiting patients who may have experienced something similar to me,” Hamlin said. “It’s just me doing my part and doing God’s work.”
Hamlin met with young patients who are or have received care for their heart conditions, as well as signing footballs and hats for the children.
“Having someone to advocate for heart health really means a lot to (the patients),” ________ Kaitlyn Meara said. “It shows them that they’re able to do things even after something as scary as what Damar went through.”
For him, it’s about paying it forward.
“To be able to have my experiences and then to be able to help the next person out on their journey, that’s what life’s about in all aspects,” he said.
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