ESPN's Dan Orlovsky on Praying for Damar Hamlin: Uncomfortable but Necessary

More than two and a half years have passed since Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a harrowing cardiac arrest on the field, a moment that shook the sports world to its core. In the aftermath, social media was flooded with messages of "thoughts and prayers," but ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky decided to take it a step further. The next day, on live television, he offered a heartfelt, public prayer for Hamlin’s recovery.

"I heard the Buffalo Bills organization say, 'We believe in prayer,' and I felt compelled to act," Orlovsky shared during his emotional broadcast. "Maybe this isn’t the right thing to do, but it’s on my heart. I’m going to close my eyes, bow my head, and pray for Damar right now." His prayer was raw and genuine, asking for strength, healing, and comfort for Hamlin and his family during an unthinkable time.

Reflecting on the moment during a recent podcast, Orlovsky admitted it wasn’t an easy decision. "It was uncomfortable," he said, acknowledging that prayer isn’t a universal comfort. Yet, he felt a deep urge to move beyond the cliché of 'thoughts and prayers' and actually pray for Hamlin in a meaningful way. After wrestling with the idea and discussing it with colleagues, he went ahead—and the response was overwhelmingly positive. "Ninety-nine point nine percent of the feedback was supportive," he noted, with only a handful of messages expressing discomfort.

What’s more, Orlovsky received no pushback from his network, only encouragement for his bold and personal gesture. As for Hamlin, his recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. After a week in the hospital, he returned to the field, suiting up for the Bills’ first game of the 2024 season and becoming a key part of their defense.

This story isn’t just about a medical miracle; it’s about the power of vulnerability and conviction. Orlovsky’s decision to pray on air reminded us that sometimes, in the face of tragedy, a simple act of humanity can resonate louder than any analysis or highlight reel.