Damar Hamlin launches 3forHeart challenge with Tom Brady, LeBron James and Michelle Obama's help

Damar Hamlin has launched a partnership with the American Heart Association to raise awareness of how to deliver hands only CPR - and he's asked for some help from Tom Brady, LeBron James and Michelle Obama.

Hamlin collapsed on the field on January 2 playing for the Buffalo Bills but has made remarkable steps in his recovery in the weeks that have followed. That continued on Tuesday with his latest announcement. 

Sharing the video on social media, Hamlin said: 'What's up everybody, it's D Ham. Once again I want to thank everybody for the love and support over the past three weeks.

'As you know, CPR saved my life earlier this year on the field. And CPR could easily save your life or someone you live. That's why I'm proud to announce that I'm partnering with the American Heart Association and kicking off Damar Hamlin's three for heart CPR challenge. And of course this one has three steps.

Hamlin (left) had a cardiac arrest after a tackle playing against the Bengals back on January 2

Bills safety Hamlin was released from hospital in Buffalo and continues his recovery at home 

'Step one, got to heart.org/3 to watch a short video to learn hands only CPR. Step two, donate to the AHA to fund CPR awareness and education and step three, challenge three friends to do the same.

'To kick things off, I'm challenging the goats. LeBron James, Tom Brady and Michelle Obama, you've all been challenged.'

The campaign correlates with Hamlin's No 3 that he wore for the Bills and Tuesday's video comes days after Hamlin spoke publicly for the first time following his cardiac arrest playing against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2.

'I'm so thankful to everybody and I know that it isn't enough just to be thankful,' Hamlin said via his social media channels on Saturday.

'This is just the beginning of the impact that I wanted to have on the world and with God's guidance I will continue to do wonderful and great things.

'I couldn't do this without any of the support and the love and I can't wait to continue to take y'all on this journey with me.'

The short message from the full video lasting five minutes and 48 seconds was captioned by the Bills safety: 'From The Heart - Sincerely 3.'

Hamlin collapsed during a Monday Night Football game between the Bengals and visiting Bills and was successfully revived on the field by the Buffalo training staff before being rushed to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Hamlin shared his full message on Saturday in a reel on his Instagram page, followed by 1.8million people, and the Bills also shared the 'special message' Saturday evening.

'Now that my brothers have closed out a strong winning season as I continue to make so much progress recovering, I think it's finally a good time to share a few things,' the thank you clip began.

'I think it was important for me to wait and speak publicly at the right time as it was just a lot to process within my own self, mentally, physically, even spiritually.

'It's just been a lot to process but I can't tell you how appreciative I am of all the love, all the support and everything's that's just been coming in my way.

'What happened to me on Monday Night Football I feel is a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share my passion and my love directly from my heart with the entire world and now I'm able to give it back to kids and communities all across the world who need it the most and that's always been my dream. That's always been what I stood for and what I'll continue to stand for.

'With that being said I want to thank a few people who thanked me most directly to get back to this moment, to where I'm able to speak to you.

'The Bills training, athletic and medical staff, notably Nate [Breske], Denny [Kellington], Joe Micca, Tabani, Dr. Bisson, Dr. White, Dr. Kim, Dr. Marc Fineberg, Joe Collins, Dr. Des, Barisa, Dr. Museo, Kori Reblin and last but not least I can't forget Kels [sic]. 

'The University of Cincinnati Medical Center, starting with Dr. Timothy Pritts, Dr. William Knight and all the first responders who acted swiftly and skillfully to save my life.

'To all the medical personnel and healthcare providers at both Cincinnati Medical Center and Buffalo General Hospital, Dr. Jamie Nadler, Dr. Ken Snyder, Dr. Levy, Dr. Chee Kim.

'To my mom and my dad, who are literally my anchors and my everything who never left my side the entire time.

Hamlin was administered CPR on the field and was taken by ambulance to a Cincinnati hospital

The precise cause of the 24-year-old safety's cardiac arrest has not been revealed. Hamlin tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the moments before falling to the turf in Cincinnati

'To my little bro, who is my why, my reason why I strive to be my best self, every day and to all my family and friends who supported me in many ways during this time, whether it was showing up for visits or just a single text to check on how I was doing.

'To Bills Mafia - I just want to thank you so much for the genuine love and support. Ever since I became a Buffalo Bill it's been nothing but genuine love and support, not even only for me but everyone' situation, no matter what it was, you know Bills Mafia jump behind it, gave 110 percent support, love, no matter the situation.

'With this happening I didn't feel anything short of the love and it really helped me stay encouraged to get through the toughest moments and the toughest times, I really can't thank you enough.

'To the entire Bills organization, and my brothers who made it a priority to lift me up spiritually, mentally and in every way possible, reaching out every day, seeing how I was doing, calling, texting, checking up on me, no matter the situation.

'I'm proud to be a part of this team. I'm proud to be able to call you guys my brothers. To the city of Cincinnati, to the Bengals and the entire NFL, just for putting team allegiance aside to root for one kid's life and just the humanity of a player that's wearing Buffalo blue.

'You put humanity above team loyalty, you showed the world unity over division. I'm not surprised by it but I'm deeply grateful and I'll be forever thankful and indebted to that.

Hamlin spoke publicly for the first time since suffering on-field cardiac arrest at the weekend

'To all the kids who sent me letters and heartwarming gifts, you mean the world to me. You made my day every day, you inspired me to keep dreaming big and just to keep helping this world a better place.

'It's always been important for me to be a role model but just seeing the love and support from the youth it just makes me want to give back and get out in the communities and touch the kids and be that example that they can look to, touch, feel, talk to and know that whatever they dream of, it's real, it can happen, if you stay focus, stay dedicated, stay committed to whatever you've got going on.

'That's pretty much what got me here, that's what got me in this position. 'Thank you to everyone who donated in any type of way to The Chasing M's Foundation. My mind is literally blown away from all the support.

'I don't even have the words to express the gratitude for the enormous support that was given in to that. That was something that was started even way before I made it to the NFL.

'Something that started small just to be able to affect my small community back at home McKees Rocks. I just wanted to play my role and do my part in my community as I venture off in to chase my dreams into NFL and you guys just took that and blown it away.

'I'm so excited for the things I have planned in the future for these kids all across the country now.' 

The message ended with Hamlin making a 'heart' sign with his hands.