Buffalo Bills are 'America's Team' this postseason

The league announced Friday that it is encouraging this weekend's home teams to offer a pregame moment of silence for Hamlin. Per the league's news release:

"Throughout this week, the entire NFL family has been praying for Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills as he continues his recovery, and we thank the first responders and medical professionals involved in his care. The [CLUB NAME] ask you to join us in a moment of support and love for Damar, and cheer for him and his family as they continue their fight."

The pregame moment is part of a larger demonstration the league has planned to honor the Hamlin family. That includes the options for teams to outline Hamlin's jersey No. 3 on the 30-yard line in either of the Bills team colors as well as an opportunity for players to wear warm-up gear that reads "Pray for Damar 3" before the game.

ESPN's Dianna Russini reported on the team's jubilation upon discovering Hamlin's breathing tube was removed and that he could communicate with them via FaceTime.

As his outlook improved Thursday, a photo circulated showing Bills QB Josh Allen and CB Tre'Davious White beaming.

It's wonderful to see after the anguish we saw on their faces Monday night. Buffalo can return its focus to football knowing that Hamlin is awake and responding well to his treatment.

For 18 of the league's fan bases, Week 18 marks the last time they'll be able to root for their preferred teams this season. After the week Hamlin, his family and the Bills endured, everyone without a horse in the race in the playoffs should throw their support behind Buffalo.

It's hard to think of a city -- or player -- that deserves it more.

The franchise experienced four consecutive Super Bowl defeats from 1990-1993 and was on the wrong side of the "Music City Miracle" in January 2000. Last year, the Bills lost in the divisional round in overtime to the Chiefs. 

Those losses are insignificant in the context of what was at stake on the field Monday, but they serve to highlight how perfect Hamlin and the Bills are for each other. 

Hamlin's generous spirit came to light when word spread of his toy drive for children in his hometown of McKees Rocks, Pa. That online effort is up to $7.9 million in donations and counting.

In 2017, the Bills qualified for the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season thanks to a miraculous Andy Dalton touchdown pass for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Baltimore Ravens. The  "Bills Mafia" made headlines afterward by flooding the Andy & JJ Dalton Foundation -- which serves pediatric patients throughout the Cincinnati area -- with $442,000 donations. 

Hamlin's story is already one for the storybooks. The only thing that will make it better is a Buffalo Bills championship. 

It's hard to imagine anyone having a problem with that.