NFL quarterback Josh Allen has hit back at conspiracy theorists’ claims that a Damar Hamlin ‘body double’ was at the Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals playoff game, telling them to ‘stop that s***’.
Appearing on Kyle Brandt’s Basement podcast on Tuesday, the 26-year-old was asked if he could confirm whether a ‘clone’ or the actual football safety appeared in the team’s locker room, as shown by the Bills’ social media team. Doubters’ claims stem from the fact that Hamlin was masked up and wearing a hoodie as well as alien frame shades, not allowing people to see much of his face.
‘Yeah that’s stupid,’ Allen said. ‘One, that’s Damar’s swag. He likes wearing that. Two, he was in the locker room with us pre-game, so yes that was Damar.’
‘There’s absolutely zero chance. He’s Damar Hamlin, that’s our guy, that’s our brother. He was with us pre-game, post-game,’ he added. ‘He was up in the suite with his family, his little brother. 100 percent so people need to stop that s***.’
Hamlin poked fun at conspiracy theorists’ allegations by sharing a picture of himself next to a mural of him in Bills gear in the Larkinville neigborhood of Buffalo, along with the caption ‘Clone’ – another debunked term that skeptics used to describe the safety who was posing in the same all-red outfit and a red, white and blue puffer jacket that he wore at Highmark Stadium during the 27-10 Bengals win on Sunday.
The 24-year-old then shared an update to his Twitter account on Tuesday, letting everyone know that they will hear from his soon.
‘Thankful for all the GENUINE love, thoughts & prayers from all across the world…y’all will hear from me soon!’
The Bills weren’t able to lift fans’ spirits in the same way that Hamlin did on Sunday, as the Bengals ran riot in Orchard Park, as Cincy quarterback Joe Burrow capped off a remarkable performance by throwing for 242 yards, completing two touchdowns passes for a passing completion rate of 63.9 percent (23-of-36 completed passes).
Postgame Bills players were just content at the sight of their ‘brother’ and teammate in the locker room.
‘Just his presence I think speaks volumes,’ Morse told ESPN. ‘[…] He’s not a big rah-rah guy and I’m sure that at some point he’s a little bit exhausted of people asking how he’s doing or put in a position that he didn’t ask to be put in. His presence alone, his smile, his positive energy, which he’s always had, always interjects energy and good vibes with the group.’
‘It was really good to see him. I’m really happy for the fans, the crowd, for him to be able to go out there, and he’s worked very hard to get in the position he’s at right now.’
It remains unclear if Hamlin will ever be involved in NFL action, as he continues his recovery following his on-field collapse at Paycor Stadium on January 2.
