Damar Hamlin thanks fans, loved ones, and the medical staff who saved his life in first public message since his on-field collapse: 'It was a lot to process'

• Damar Hamlin has shared his first public statement after his on-field cardiac arrest on January 2.
• In an Instagram clip, Hamlin thanked his fans, teammates, and medical staff for their support.
• Hamlin said it was important for him to wait to speak out. "It was a lot to process," he said.

Damar Hamlin thanked his fans, team, loved ones, and the medical staff who "swiftly" saved his life in his first public statement a month after he suffered cardiac arrest at a Monday Night Football matchup on January 2. 

In a nearly six-minute long clip shared to his and the Buffalo Bills' official Instagram accounts, Hamlin spoke directly to the camera and explained why he'd taken weeks to speak publicly following his collapse. 

"It was important for me to wait and speak publicly at the right time," the Bills safety said. "It was just a lot to process within my own self mentally, physically, even spiritually."

Hamlin, 24, went on to share his gratitude to those who supported him directly after the incident, which happened moments after he took a significant hit to the chest while tackling the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. 

"I can't tell you how appreciative I am of all the love, all the support, and everything that's just been coming my way," he said. "With that being said, I want to thank a few people who helped me most directly to get back to this moment."

He thanked medical first responders who helped "swiftly and skillfully" to save his life, as well as the training staff and the medical staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and Buffalo General Medical Center.

Hamlin shared his appreciation to his parents, who he described as his "anchors," and his little younger brother Damir, 7, who he called his "why" and the reason why he strives to be his "best self" every day. 

He told fans their support and love helped him stay positive throughout his recovery. "Bills mafia jumped behind it and gave 110%," he said. "I didn't feel anything short of the love, and it really helped me stay encouraged to get through the toughest moments."

Hamlin also praised those who helped his charity, Chasing M's Foundation, raise over $9 million over the last month. 

"This is just the beginning of the impact that I wanted to have on the world," he said. "I couldn't do this without any of the support and the love and I can't wait to continue to take all on this journey with me."