If you’ve watched a Buffalo Bills game lately, you've seen it. That bold, single digit staring back from the defensive backfield. It's everywhere in Western New York—plastered on jerseys, painted on the 30-yard line, and even dangling from "Bills Mafia" car mirrors.
So, what number is Damar Hamlin? Basically, Damar Hamlin wears number 3.
But honestly, it’s never just been a number for him. It’s a whole identity. While most players pick a jersey based on what’s available in the equipment room, Hamlin’s "3" represents a journey that almost ended on a cold Monday night in Cincinnati, only to become a global symbol of resilience.
Why Does Damar Hamlin Wear Number 3?
You might remember that when Hamlin first stepped onto the field for the Buffalo Bills as a rookie in 2021, he wasn't wearing 3. He was wearing number 31.
Kinda weird, right? Especially since he’s now so synonymous with the single digit.
The truth is, he didn’t have a choice back then. For decades, the NFL had these super strict rules about which positions could wear which numbers. Defensive backs were mostly stuck in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Plus, when he arrived in Buffalo, the veteran punter Matt Haack already had "3" claimed.
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The Return to His Roots
In 2022, the stars aligned. The NFL loosened its jersey number restrictions, allowing defensive backs to rock single digits. Then, Matt Haack moved on to the Indianapolis Colts.
Hamlin jumped at the chance. Why? Because he’s worn number 3 his entire life.
He wore it at Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, where he was a four-star recruit. He kept it throughout his college career at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). For Damar, 3 isn't just a digit; it’s a connection to his home in McKees Rocks and the community that raised him.
The Night the Number Changed Everything
We have to talk about January 2, 2023. It’s the moment the world stopped.
During a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin made what looked like a routine tackle on Tee Higgins. He stood up, then collapsed. He had suffered commotio cordis, a rare cardiac arrest caused by a blunt blow to the chest at a very specific millisecond of the heart rhythm.
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Suddenly, number 3 wasn't just a sports stat. It became a prayer.
Fans across the globe started using the phrase "Pray for 3." Players from other teams wore "3" patches. The Bills wore "3" pins on their lapels. When he finally woke up in the hospital, his first question (written on a clipboard because he was intubated) wasn't "What number am I wearing?" but "Did we win?"
The doctor’s response? "Yes, Damar. You won the game of life."
More Than a Jersey: Chasing M’s
If you look closely at Hamlin’s gear, you’ll often see the phrase "Chasing M’s." This is his brand and his foundation. He started it back in 2020, even before he was a pro, just to host a small toy drive in his hometown. He’s said that "Chasing M's" stands for "Chasing Millions"—not just millions of dollars, but making a million-person impact.
After his collapse, the GoFundMe for his toy drive, which originally had a goal of $2,500, exploded. It eventually topped **$9 million**. People were donating $3.03 or $33.33 just to honor his number.
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Damar Hamlin's Career Stats by the Numbers
If you’re a stats nerd, here’s a quick look at what he’s actually doing on the field when he’s not being a global inspiration:
- Drafted: 2021, Round 6, Pick 212.
- Tackles: Over 185 career combined tackles.
- Interceptions: He grabbed two big picks in the 2024 season.
- The Comeback: In 2023, he officially returned to regular-season action, completing one of the most improbable medical comebacks in sports history.
He’s currently a vital part of the Bills' secondary. In 2024 and 2025, he moved into a more consistent starting role, proving that he wasn't just a "feel-good story"—the guy can actually play.
What You Can Do Next
Understanding why Damar Hamlin wears number 3 is really about understanding his commitment to his community. If you want to support the work he’s doing, here is the best way to get involved:
- Learn Hands-Only CPR: This is Hamlin’s biggest mission now. His foundation, Chasing M’s, partners with the American Heart Association to get people trained. It takes about 60 seconds to learn.
- Check out the Chasing M’s Foundation: You can see where those millions of dollars are going—mostly toward AED distribution and youth sports programs.
- Watch the Bills: Seeing him take the field is a literal miracle. If you're a jersey collector, the number 3 Bills jersey remains one of the top sellers for a reason.
Damar Hamlin is still number 3. He’s still chasing M’s. And honestly? He’s just getting started.