Play of the year

 The NFL playoffs begin this weekend, but the Play of the Day -- or week, or month, or year, really, even though we're only a dozen days into it -- is already taken. It happened in Buffalo yesterday, and it was announced via a small, quiet news item that somehow shouted with God's own voice.

Damar Hamlin was released from the hospital.

Nine days after he essentially died twice in a game against the Bengals, he went home.

I don't what you can say about that except that someone's hand is on that young man's shoulder, and that prayer is powerful, and that prayer and superb medical care make a hell of a tag team.

An entire country was praying for Damar Hamlin, and the docs in Cincinnati knew their business, and now he's home.

Nine days after he flat-lined not once but twice.

Seven days after he awoke from induced sedation.

Six days after his breathing tube was removed.

By the time the latter happened, everyone in America knew the name of this backup safety for the Buffalo Bills. They'd heard about his charity, Chasing M's, and poured millions into its coffers. They'd learned what a decent young man he apparently is.

Nine days. Seven days. Six days.

Nothing you see in any sporting venue this weekend or the next or any weekend from now until the end of 2023 will ever match it. A football move? Shoo. This was a life move.

All the sports-yap poodles were yapping about it yesterday, but no one said it better than analyst Marcellus Wiley, himself a one-time Bill. A guest on Dan Patrick's show, Wiley said he could just hear what the talk in the locker room must be like, irreverent as it tends to be.

Something about trolling guys who were rehabbing injuries by saying "You've been out (however many weeks) with a knee injury? Man, dude died twice and recovered in NINE DAYS. Come on!"

And then they'd all laugh.

And shake their heads in wonder, one more time.