Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast

Episode: "Inspired by Damar, how Bills are getting back to football"

Date: January 6, 2023
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This emotionally-charged episode dives deep into the Buffalo Bills’ week following Damar Hamlin's life-threatening injury during Monday Night Football. Hosts Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, and Dan Fetes discuss the moving updates on Hamlin’s recovery, the team’s process of returning to football, the NFL’s plans for tributes, mental health responses, playoff implications, and the resilience shown by the organization and the Buffalo community. With candid insights and behind-the-scenes reflections, the team captures both the gravity of the week and the hope that has emerged.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Damar Hamlin’s Recovery & Team Response

• Immediate Relief and Inspiration
  • The Bills received positive news as Hamlin was taken off the ventilator and connected via FaceTime to his teammates, offering words and gestures of encouragement—including his trademark heart symbol and flex.
    • “He was able to FaceTime with the Bills. He said, 'love you guys.' ...That moment had to be incredible for this group of guys.” —Mike Catalana [01:04]
  • The players and coaches were visibly relieved, with palpable joy and hope throughout the facility.
    • “To see laughter, to see a smile from these players...it put everybody in a better headspace.” —Dan Fetes [02:09]
• Hamlin’s First Questions & Team Motivation
  • Hamlin’s first message post-recovery: “Did we win?” This underscored his love for the game and resonated with teammates and fans alike.
  • Damar's father emphasized the importance of the team returning to football because that's what Hamlin wants.

2. Emotional Preparation for Sunday’s Game

• Collective Resilience
  • The hosts discuss the unique emotion expected at Sunday’s home game, shifting from rivalry to unity and healing.
    • “There’s a joy...nobody to be mad at. It's an uplifting thing...more redemptive.” —Catalana [04:47]
• Tributes and League-wide Support
  • The NFL is planning league-wide tributes: #3 painted on fields, uniform patches, and pregame ceremonies honoring Hamlin and first responders.

3. NFL Player Safety and Hamlin’s Legacy

• Spotlight on Lesser-Protected Players
  • Mike draws attention to systemic issues regarding protections and benefits for non-superstar NFL players, emphasizing Hamlin’s situation as representative of broader needs:
    • “He could represent that second year, sixth round draft pick who's just trying to make it in the league and is not protected by the NFL.” —Catalana [06:45]
  • Discussion of current NFL/owners' response and call for ongoing reform to help all players, not just in high-profile cases.

4. The Return to Football — Readiness and Mental Health

• The Human Side & Mental Health
  • Acknowledgement of trauma: Not every player will process the events identically, and returning to the field presents unique emotional challenges.
    • “Josh Allen said...some people will never be the same because of that.” —Dan Fetes [03:03]
  • Sean McDermott and the Bills have made mental health a priority, with active usage of team counselors, and McDermott himself seeking professional support:
    • “It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.” —Jenna Cottrell [15:50]
• Getting Back to the Game
  • Coaches began prepping immediately—business as usual meets emotional support, helping players transition back.
  • Playing Sunday's game is seen as both cathartic and necessary for the team and community.

5. Team and Community Resilience

• Year of Adversity
  • The Bills, staff, and the Buffalo community have endured numerous tragedies and challenges this year: historic blizzards, the Tops mass shooting, personal player losses (Dawson Knox’s family), and ownership health concerns.
    • “This Bills team has been through a lot...it's more than a lot.” —Dan Fetes [19:58]
  • The culture and groundwork laid by leadership have contributed to the team’s strong response.

6. Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications & Unfinished Business

• NFL Playoff Format Changes
  • Brief mention of playoff fairness and upcoming league decisions, with hosts promising further updates as the postseason picture becomes clearer.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Damar’s Message:
  • “Demar has off of the ventilator. He was able to FaceTime with the Bills. He said, 'Love you guys.'” —Jenna Cottrell [00:23]
• On Return to Play:
  • “Their jobs are not easy emotionally...But to go back where you were on the field and seeing that happen on Monday to here it is, Friday and he's talking to them is incredible.” —Mike Catalana [01:04]
• On Readiness:
  • “If now knowing that he's going to be okay, I think the game is okay to go on and I think it's okay for the NFL in the season and everything to continue.” —Dan Fetes [09:36]
• On Team Culture & Support:
  • “The positivity is a nice thing and how, how it manifests itself...But if you're, you know, a Bills fan and you all are here listening, you got to be proud of the way they handle themselves, the way they represent themselves, the way they care about each other.” —Mike Catalana [21:28]
• On Mental Health:
  • “Sean McDermott opened up...They have mental health counselors already on their staff and how they've been utilized. And he is even...had the opportunity to meet with them, and that it's not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength.” —Jenna Cottrell [15:50]
• On Season Adversity:
  • “This Bills team has been through a lot...That was one of the worst snowstorms and blizzards I’d ever seen...the Tops shooting...Dawson Knox...the other snowstorm that put 7ft of snow in the area.” —Dan Fetes [19:58]
• On Future:
  • “Let's see how it plays out. And it would be awesome if you get to stay at home for the postseason.” —Mike Catalana [23:39]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:23 - Latest on Damar Hamlin’s health and team reaction
• 02:09 - Emotional recovery: lifting spirits at practice
• 04:14–07:28 - Anticipated emotion at Sunday’s game; wider significance of player support and NFL responsibility
• 09:36 - Players’ readiness to play; process of moving on
• 12:08 - Coaches’ behind-the-scenes efforts to prepare the team
• 15:50 - Individual reactions to trauma; mental health resources and leadership vulnerability
• 19:58–21:28 - Recap of Bills’ season of adversity and the franchise’s resilience
• 23:39 - Brief playoff implications and closing remarks

Final Thoughts

The Buffalo Plus team captures the profound transformation of the Bills and their community over the past week. The show is poignant, reflective, and uplifting, focusing on healing, the importance of mental health, and the fortitude of the organization under immense stress. The legacy of Damar Hamlin’s resilience may indeed spark overdue discussions about player protections in the NFL, while also reminding fans and teams alike of the power of unity, leadership, and hope.