The internet is a dangerous place for those who think they can solve the world‘s mysteries with a few clicks.
This was no different when Damar Hamlin, who nearly died on the field during a Monday Night Football game in Week 17, appeared at the Bengals vs. Bills game in a box, giving his signature heart–hand motion to the Buffalo faithful.
Some internet sleuths decided it was too good to be true and started speculating that the person at the game was not Hamlin but a body double or a clone. The Bills responded to the rumors by posting a few shots of Hamlin to their social media feed, including one of him slightly less obscured.
“Clone” 🥷🏽 pic.twitter.com/CLpfDsNzrV
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) January 24, 2023
The absence of an interview with Hamlin was another source of suspicion. Bills center Mitch Morse addressed this by explaining Hamlin’s personality, saying, “Just his presence I think speaks volumes…He‘s not a big rah–rah guy and I‘m sure that at some point he‘s a little bit exhausted from people asking how he‘s doing or being put in a position that he didn‘t ask to be put in. His presence alone, his smile, his positive energy, which he‘s always had, always interjects energy and good vibes with the group.”
Happy to have the Hamlin family here today. ❤️#CINvsBUF | #LoveForDamar pic.twitter.com/eYagW148D4
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 22, 2023
Hamlin’s presence at the game was a heartwarming sight for all his fans and the football community. It was a testament to his strength and resilience, as well as a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle. No ‘body double’ or ‘clone’ could have represented that as well as the real Damar Hamlin.
