Josh Allen’s Strong Message on Damar Hamlin Snub as Bills Safety Secures Major Honor Ahead of AFC Chiefs Showdown

“Did we win?” was Damar Hamlin’s first question after waking from a 48-hour medically induced coma. For a 24-year-old guy who had just suffered a cardiac arrest, his devotion to the game left even his doctors in awe. “Yes, Damar, you won the game of life,” They had answered back. After suffering a gruesome case of commodio cordis — a very rare condition in which the heart’s rhythm is disrupted — things weren’t looking too good for the Buffalo Bills safety. His return to the gridiron seemed like a distant dream at best…

But just 11 days later, on January 13, 2023, he was discharged with a miraculous recovery, and in less than two years he was back on the roster. So of course, by popular opinion, Hamlin was guaranteed to win the AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2023. Unfortunately, former Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco received the NFL honor in February 2024 — a decision that was criticized heavily in the community as expected. Seam Sports Illustrated‘s Chris Pironne put it, “Joe Flacco came back from relaxing on his couch. Buffalo Bills’ Safety Damar Hamlin came back from the dead. They are not the same. ”

Even veteran journalist Peter King was of the same opinion. “It’s ridiculous that Joe Flacco, who came back from sitting on his couch for two and a half months, won comeback player over Damar Hamlin, who came back from having to be resuscitated back to life on a football field last January . What is stronger than ridiculous? Absurd? Okay. It was absurd,” He wrote the column Soccer Morning in America. For the uninitiated, Flacco had earned the award after leading the Cleveland Browns into the playoffs while playing in just five regular season games. But it still wasn’t anywhere near the kind of comeback that Hamlin provided, was it?

It was also very evident in Flacco’s own reaction. “I felt kind of weird getting it, but at this point in my career, I’m like, ‘Whatever, dude, give it to me,'” He had said while laughing on the Pat McAfee show. On the other hand, Hamlin handled it with as much grace as he possibly could.“When I heard some people were upset, but you know, Nah. I did it first, not gonna lie. I did a little bit just because you know, I’m a competitor myself, you know, in any competition you put me in, I (will) win.

“But you know, I clapped for Joe when he walked on stage and I clapped for him when he walked out, you know, at this point in my life, you know, it’s really God’s plan. So, you know, God had a reason why, you know, God had a reason why he got that trophy. God had a reason why he went out with it and you know I don’t want to discredit that anybody and I really feel about my journey, my comeback, in itself, it wasn’t the world, it wasn’t a worldly thing . It wasn’t something you know a trophy can define. “ But that doesn’t mean it’s no longer buzzing. Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen is still crossed by the …

The 28-year-old met with the media after practice Friday after Hamlin was announced as the comeback player of Theeear finalist again, When a reporter asked, “I’m not sure if Damar is interested in being a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year again because of what he’s done, what he’s accomplished this season on the field and proven that he’s a starter. What do you make of him, what he’s done this year? “

It’s like Allen had his answer ready…“It has been incredible. He should have won that award last year. So that’s how we feel about it. I think that’s how everyone here feels about it. But his play on the pitch, it’s been fantastic. He’s made some huge plays for us and we need him as well as everyone on Sunday.“It is a valid complaint.

In 2023 Damar Hamlin won George Halas Award With its medical staff wins Pat Tillman Award for his impressive recovery back to the gridiron. But he had limited participation in their 2023 campaign. In 5 games he had only 2 solo tackles. However, that has changed this year. In 2024, he recorded 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 5 passes defensed and 89 tackles (62 solo). This impressive performance could have forced the league to include his name in the big honor. Damar Hamlin has also thanked the medical staff and his many coaching staff for helping him get back to football shape.

On January 2, 2025, the second anniversary of the day he suffered cardiac arrest, he took the Bills’ training staff to dinner and showed his appreciation for the work they do. It’s really heartwarming. But Josh Allen understands it’s time to focus on something else. AFC Championship against the Chiefs. It’s 2 days away.

Not just the safety, even the Bills QB has secured a major honor by being an AP Most Valuable Player finalist. But he is more concerned about the injuries. They need their players to be fully fit.

Josh Allen navigates the injured locker room before the AFC game

While HC Sean McDermott had claimed they would look into Safety Taylor Rapp’s injury on a day-to-day basis, he is out now. Another blow to the defense came from their CB Christian Benford, who was dealing with a concussion. He practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but was absent on Friday. His injury status is ‘doubtful’ for the game. That’s why Josh Allen encouraged Damar Hamlin and others to be at the top of their game.

Hamlin also suffered a rib injury against the Ravens. But has been a full participant in the training sessions on consecutive days starting Wednesday. That’s a huge sign that he would be ready to contend against the back-to-back Super Bowl winners. It would also help boost locker room morale.

However, most fans believe that Josh Allen would be the key factor in the AFC Championship Game. He needs to perform at his best if the Bills want to get into the Super Bowl after 3 decades. And being the dual threat quarterback that he is, anything can happen. It would be a rush of adrenaline at the arrowhead. Keep an eye out. We continue to bring you stories.