MCKEES ROCKS, Pa. — The love for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is prevalent in the McKees Rocks community, as hundreds of people are holding their breath, praying hard, and doing what they can to show their support. On Monday, Hamlin collapsed on the field after making a play inside Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
The Sto-Rox Little Vikings program is where it all started for Hamlin.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >> Pittsburgh shows support for McKees Rocks native, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin
“He had a dream, he chased his dream, he found his dream, he’s living his dream,” said Cameron Culliver, president of the Little Vikings.
Even after he was drafted by the Bills, Hamlin never forgot his roots, coming back for youth football camps, mentoring kids who look up to him.
“He would sign autographs and stuff, sign masks…sign anything that people would give him, and he would take pictures with people,” said Markese Reddix, who plays for the Little Vikings.
The McKees Rocks Stowe Township communities are rallying together to show their support for No. 3, springing into action less than 24 hours after Hamlin collapsed.
Khristian Sheard, whose sons play for the Little Vikings, collected cards, signs and well-wishes from some of Hamlin’s tiniest but biggest fans.
“Just to show love – Damar loves the kids, so what better way to support than to show that they love him back?” Sheard said.
Fans wore red and blue ribbons Tuesday night at the Sto-Rox High School basketball game with Hamlin on their minds, as he remains hundreds of miles away at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
“I spoke to his grandmother earlier, she’s holding up and doing what she can,” said Ken Hohmen, a family friend.
“Just for him to get up and see the cards, I’ll be excited for that…to show him we love him. We really do,” Sheard said. She plans to collect well wishes over the course of the next few days and plans to send them with a family member to Cincinnati.
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