Damar Hamlin has revealed that he plans to "change the world" with the donations he's received after his cardiac arrest.
On January 2, the 24-year-old safety suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during the first quarter of the Buffalo Bills game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Ohio.
As per the New York Post, Hamlin collapsed on the field in the first quarter after making a tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. He initially got up after the hit and appeared disoriented before falling to the ground on his back.
Medical professionals rushed to the scene to help stabilize the athlete before he was taken to the hospital.
At the time, the team released a statement on Hamlin's condition stating that he had "demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact," giving fans some hope after watching such devastating scenes at the game.
They continued: "His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress. We are grateful for the love and support we have received."
As per the Independent, doctors with the University of Cincinnati Medical Center also said Hamlin’s "neurological function is intact" and that it “marks a good turning point in his ongoing care."
Hamlin’s representatives also released a statement which said at the time that he had made a “substantial improvement overnight”.
"We are so thankful for all of the first responders, doctors, and hospital staff and everyone who has played a role in this process," it added. "Please continue to pray for Damar and we will provide updates as they are available."
Since then, the 24-year-old has been on his journey to recovery and while he had been focusing on getting better, fans were taking the time to donate to his foundation, raising millions of dollars for the star's charitable fund.
Over $9 million was raised in donations to Hamlin's Chasing M's Foundation, which he had set up before the medical emergency in the hopes of raising $2,500 for a toy drive for underprivileged children.
As per TMZ, Hamlin has recently revealed that he plans on "changing the world" with the substantial amount of money.
When asked what he was going to do with it, he told the outlet: "I'm gonna change the world. Change the world."
During his first TV interview set to premiere tomorrow (February 13), he praised God as well as the Bills' athletic trainer Denny Kellington for saving his life.
"I owe Denny my life, literally," Hamlin told Good Morning America co-host Michael Strahan. "He loves to say he was just doing his job, which is true. That night he was literally the savior of my life, administrating CPR on me.
"If it wasn't for someone showing up that day with a clear mind and whatever's going on in their personal life, just to put it aside, and be present in the moment to actually be able to do their job correctly, that's something I'm truly thankful for and don't take for granted," he added.
