Damar Hamlin breaks silence after Sean McDermott firing with emotional message

To say the Buffalo Bills have faced backlash for their choice to fire their longtime head coach, Sean McDermott, would be a massive understatement. There are a lot of people who aren't happy about the move, specifically within the franchise.

Bills owner Terry Pegula didn't mince words when discussing the leadership change. Meanwhile, several members of Buffalo's locker room have weighed in on McDermott's unceremonious exit. If that doesn't speak to the internal disconnect surrounding the decision, what will?

Damar Hamlin is among Bills players who have made their disappointment known. The veteran safety took to social media to express how crushed he is over McDermott's dismissal.

Damar Hamlin among several Bills players supporting Sean McDermott after firing

Hamlin initially shared three broken heart emojis on X (formerly known as Twitter). It's clear that the McDermott news struck a chord with the 27-year-old. However, a sense of gratitude ostensibly once the new reality began to set in.

"A true leader of men," Hamlin wrote in a follow-up post, accompanied by a photo of him, McDermott and Bills superstar quarterback Josh Allen. "Thank you for everything! On & beyond the field. We love you coach."

The story of Hamlin's NFL journey, unfortunately, can't be told without mentioning his suffering cardiac arrest during a game late in the 2022 campaign. Returning to health following the frightening incident, let alone playing football, was (rightfully) the main focus. McDermott was notably at the center of it all, maintaining belief in the talent while supporting the individual.

There's no such thing as job security in this league, as McDermott just learned firsthand. Teams are always searching for ways to make replacements if expectations aren't met. Yet, in a results-driven business, Buffalo's now-former sideline general stood by Hamlin.

With the roles suddenly reversed, Hamlin wasted no time coming to McDermott's defense. They evidently built a strong connection during their six-year overlap in Buffalo that transcends anything they accomplished (or didn't) on the gridiron. Alas, both of them may find themselves representing another franchise next season.

Buffalo's 2026 salary cap situation is less than ideal entering a pivotal offseason. Hamlin's slated for unrestricted free agency and could be considered expendable, especially if McDermott's successor wants to put their fingerprints on the roster.