Logo

Bills Safety Who Cheated Death on NFL Field Launches Relief Effort After Deadly U.S. Steel Blast in Home Region

Buffalo, NY – In the NFL, there are stories that reach far beyond the game itself. And for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin — the man who made the entire world hold its breath when he collapsed from cardiac arrest on the field and survived against all odds — today’s stage isn’t under stadium lights, but in the grief-stricken streets of his Pennsylvania hometown.

Buffalo Bills second-year safety Damar Hamlin had taken key role

Just days after the devastating explosion at the U.S. Steel plant in Allegheny County, which claimed at least two lives and injured many more, Hamlin appeared. Not wearing gloves or a helmet, but with a trembling voice and red-rimmed eyes.

“I know what it’s like to face the edge of life… but seeing my hometown in this much pain hurts even more.”

This is the place that raised him — a boy once running through streets that wound around the steel mill, where the shift whistles and the scent of hot metal became part of his childhood. The men and women who worked there — with calloused hands and easy smiles — were neighbors, friends’ parents, pieces of his earliest memories.

Damar Hamlin's condition shows improvement, Buffalo Bills say - BBC News

Three years ago, the world watched Hamlin fight for every breath on the football field. Now, he’s fighting to bring warmth and safety to those living in loss.
He has launched an emergency relief campaign through his personal foundation — the same one that once raised millions for underprivileged kids — now redirecting resources to directly support affected families.

“When I went down, the whole country lifted me up. Today, I want to be the one lifting this community.”

Hiện trường nổ lớn tại nhà máy thép ở Mỹ, nhiều thương vong

Not just Bills fans, but even rival supporters are sharing his message and donating. Signs reading “Buffalo ❤️ Pittsburgh” are flooding social media, echoing the unity the NFL showed on the night he came back to life.

In the streets of his hometown, the hum of the mill is gone, replaced by quiet conversations, long embraces, and a growing belief that — once again — from the wreckage, hope will rise.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722