Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin Jeff Romance / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Bills' Damar Hamlin appears on 'The Masked Singer'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/16/23

The incredible recovery of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to serve as the feel-good sports story of 2023.

As shared by CNN's Lisa Respers France and ESPN, Hamlin was featured on an episode of Fox's "The Masked Singer" that aired Wednesday night.

Before the defensive back took the stage, Damir Hamlin first emerged and told "Sesame Street" character Elmo he was there with his brother. Damar then walked out holding a football, and the 24-year-old received a loud standing ovation from show judges and audience members, alike.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Buffalo Bills in the building! Damar Hamlin, the man that brought the whole world together, inspiring us all!" host Nick Cannon announced.

Meanwhile, show judge Ken Jeong appeared visibly moved upon realizing he was looking at the football player who nearly lost his life earlier this year.

"I'm just so glad you're here," Jeong told Hamlin. "But more importantly, I'm just so glad you're healthy. The whole world loves you."

Hamlin famously went into cardiac arrest during a "Monday Night Football" game on Jan. 2 and required CPR on the field before he was transported to a hospital. According to ESPN, Wednesday's edition of "The Masked Singer" was taped at some point in "late January" and was Hamlin's first public appearance since his medical emergency.

Hamlin told Cannon he attended that taping of the program that involved "Sesame Street" characters because of his brother.

"That's my world, I put family first, and, you know, he loves 'Sesame Street' more than most things, so we had to make it tonight," Hamlin added.

Along with "The Masked Singer" taping, Hamlin attended a Buffalo playoff game and was honored ahead of the Super Bowl LVII clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles this winter. He has said that he "eventually" wants to play in the NFL once more, but it's unknown when or if he'll be cleared to resume his career.

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