Fans invited to sign banner supporting Damar Hamlin Saturday before Pitt basketball game

Justin Guerriero
Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 11:44 a.m. | Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 11:44 a.m.

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Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

The Pitt student section stands for Damar Hamlin during a break in a game against Virginia Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 at Petersen Events Center.

AP

A sign shows support for injured Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin outside Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Thursday Jan. 5, 2023.

Since Monday night, when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field mid-game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals in what was revealed to be a major cardiac arrest, sports fans across the United States and globally have sent a tidal wave of support his way and toward his family, friends and teammates.

Soon after his collapse, Hamlin was administered CPR on the field at Paycor Stadium and was promptly transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

However, his prognosis continues to be increasingly positive.

After regaining consciousness and communicating with hospital staff and family through writing, Hamlin was able to FaceTime with his Bills teammates Friday morning.

This is amazing: For the first time, #Bills S Damar Hamlin is addressing the team via Facetime. The breathing tube is out, and he’s spent the morning speaking to various teammates on Facetime. Now, he’s delivering a message to the entire group, I’m told.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2023

In Pittsburgh, concern for Hamlin runs deep, as he grew up in McKees Rocks and enjoyed a standout career at Central Catholic before playing for Pitt from 2016-20.

Hamlin served as a captain for the Panthers and earned All-ACC honors as a senior in 2020, before being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Buffalo.

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi, the University of Pittsburgh and its athletic department have assumed prominent places among Hamlin’s massive contingent of well-wishers.

On Saturday afternoon, the Panthers men’s basketball team plans to make a gesture of its own at Petersen Events Center.

Ahead of Pitt’s showdown with Clemson at 4 p.m., arriving fans will be invited to sign a banner in support of Hamlin.

The banner will be available to sign from 3-3:50 p.m. on the upper concourse level between sections 224 and 225, adjacent to the double escalators.

After tip-off, the banner will be displayed in the arena and visible to all.

Fans attending tomorrow’s @Pitt_MBB game are invited to sign a banner in support of former @Pitt_FB star Damar Hamlin. ????

The banner will be on the upper concourse level behind sections 224 & 225 during pregame from 3 to 3:50 PM.

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More: https://t.co/OHinnDI5ZJ pic.twitter.com/A3P8iHNn8D

— Pitt Panthers (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) January 6, 2023