Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Suffered Cardiac Arrest On Field ... in Critical Condition

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10:36 AM PT -- 1/3 -- The Bills just provided a health update on Damar Hamlin, saying their starting safety spent the night in the intensive care unit ... where he still remains today. The team says DH is still in "critical condition."

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The Bills also sent a message to football fans across the world, writing ... "We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.

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8:53 AM PT -- 1/3 -- Damar's family just released a statement ... saying they, "want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country."

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The family says Hamlin has been receiving exceptional care at the hospital ... and they are appreciative of the help from healthcare professionals and first responders.

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The statement continued ..."We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they've done. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us."

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The Hamlins ask everyone to keep praying for Damar as he continues to battle back to health.

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10:57 PM PT -- Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field Monday night, according to the Buffalo Bills, who provided an update on his condition. Thankfully, Damar's heartbeat was restored before he left the field in an ambulance.

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Hamlin is currently at UC Medical Center -- a level-one trauma facility -- where he's receiving treatment and undergoing testing.

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The Bills say Damar Hamlin, who is sedated, is in critical condition.

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9:28 PM PT -- Diggs and other Bills and Bengals players showed up to the hospital Monday night to support Hamlin … as well as fans of both teams.

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ESPN reports Diggs pleaded with police to be allowed into the building to be with his teammate ... and eventually, he was able to enter.

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According to the report, Diggs told the cops, "This is my teammate. I have to be here for my teammate."

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Troy Vincent -- the NFL's VP of Football Operations -- also addressed the situation in a conference call just now ... claiming resuming the game was never on the table.

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Vincent also denied there were talks of having a 5-minute warm-up before continuing the matchup ... saying, "It never crossed our mind to talk about warming up to resume play."

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"That’s ridiculous. That’s insensitive. That’s not a place we should ever be in."

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7:08 PM PT -- The NFL says Damar Hamlin is currently in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

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7:02 PM PT -- The league has announced the Bills vs. Bengals game will not continue on Monday night following Hamlin's injury. A makeup date and time have yet to be revealed.

Horrifying moment during the Bills vs. Bengals game on "Monday Night Football" -- Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin collapsed at the end of a play ... and required CPR in the middle of the field.

The incident happened just minutes into the game's first quarter ... right after Hamlin tackled Tee Higgins to the ground.

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RUSHED OFF THE FIELD

The 24-year-old -- a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft -- appeared to get up from the stop just fine ... but he seemed to lose consciousness as he got to his feet, and crumpled to the ground.

Medical personnel raced onto the field -- and according to the game's announcer, Joe Buck, officials performed CPR on him for several minutes.

He was eventually strapped to a backboard and loaded onto a stretcher. He was then taken off the field in an ambulance.

Players from both teams were visibly concerned for the defensive back -- Josh Allen buried his face in his hands, while Stefon Diggs had tears running down his face. Reporters on the scene said multiple other players were seen crying.

The league has temporarily suspended play in wake of the injury.

Story developing ...

Originally Published -- 1/2 6:22 PM PT

LBJ, Tom Brady, Drew Brees Show Support For Damar Hamlin ... After Collapsing On Field

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The sports world is rallying around Bills' safety Damar Hamlin after he went into cardiac arrest on the field Monday night ... with superstars like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees offering words of support as the 24-year-old fights for his life.

LeBron took the podium after scoring 43 points in Charlotte against the Hornets ... and spoke passionately about Hamlin, sending prayers. Bron also talked about the NFL's correct decision to postpone the game.

Tom Brady tweeted Tuesday morning, "We’re praying for Damar and his family this morning in Tampa. Moments like this put into perspective what it means to play this game we love."

"Thankful for our communities in Cincinnati and Buffalo for the overwhelming level of care and support I know they’ll continue to provide."

Retired quarterback and future Hall of Famer Drew Brees also expressed his concern for the second-year player out of Pittsburgh ... writing, "Damar Hamlin represents every one of us and every teammate we've ever had."

"I've never met him, but I know him as a member of our brotherhood. My family and I pray for him and his family as he recovers. God be with him."

Donovan Mitchell had a historic night Monday -- scoring 71 points in an overtime victory against the Bulls -- but the Cavs star made sure to offer his concern for Hamlin during his postgame presser.

"Prayers up for the Bills' safety," Mitchell said. "I had heard about it. I didn't see it, but I wish him and his family, we're praying for him. From the Cavalier organization, we want to wish the best and pray everything goes well."

Hamlin, selected by the Bills in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL draft, was carted off the field during Monday Night Football after his heart stopped beating following a collision with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

The Bills said Damar was transported to UC Medical Center -- a level-one trauma facility -- where he's receiving treatment and undergoing testing.

Prayers up for Damar.

Jaguars' Uche Nwaneri Former NFL Guard Dead At 38 ... Acute Heart Failure

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Uche Nwaneri -- former Purdue and Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive lineman -- has tragically died after he was found unresponsive in his wife's Indiana home on Friday.

He was only 38.

Nwaneri was at his wife's home in West Lafayette -- about 65 miles northwest of Indianapolis -- when police received a call around 1 AM stating the 6'4" NFL guard collapsed in a bedroom.

Unfortunately, Nwaneri couldn't be saved.

The Tippecanoe County Office of the Coroner tells us while the official cause hasn't yet been determined, their initial (preliminary) report indicates Uche died of an "enlarged heart with acute heart failure".

Authorities say there are no signs of trauma or foul play.

The official cause will not be named until the toxicology report comes back in a few weeks.

Tony Khan -- son of Jags' owner Shahid -- issued a statement shortly after the news broke ... saying Nwaneri "forged a strong bond with the Jags fans that's remained to this day."

"On behalf of the Jaguars organization and my family, our thoughts are with Uche's family + friends at this terrible time."

The Dallas native started his football career when he committed to Purdue over Kentucky and Texas A&M in 2003.

He was suspended from Purdue for the 2005 fall semester after breaking his teammate Ryan Noblet's jaw during a fight at practice.

Nwaneri was picked up by the Jags in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL draft and played for them until he was released on March 4, 2014.

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He was signed by the Cowboys a few months later but didn't make the final roster cut.

After football, Nwaneri began a YouTube channel called "The Observant Lineman" where he discussed sports and music with his 21,400 subscribers.

He also remained active with his fans via Twitter ... with his last tweet being a tribute to the late Brazilian soccer legend Pelé on Dec. 29 -- the day before he passed away.

R.I.P.

Equinox Shuts Out New Members On Jan. 1 ... Snub to Short-Term Clients

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Fitness company Equinox is catchin' heat online after launching a day-long campaign to lock out newcomers, blasting that all too common New Year's resolution -- hit the gym, and then quickly give up.

Those looking to start 2023 off with a bang would've been met with a message to stop you in your tracks ... that is, if you tried getting an Equinox membership -- because the company's "We Don't Speak January" campaign was plastered all over its site.

Equinox said it wasn't signing up new clients on January 1, calling the month a "fantasy delivered to your door in a pastel-colored box."

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NEW YEAR'S SHUT DOWN

The company says life doesn't start at beginning of the year -- and neither does Equinox, apparently.

An interesting concept ... but one that was met with negativity online. One potential client called the campaign "super cringe and pointless," and another said, "I hate equinox for many reasons, but this is definitely a new low."

The point of the campaign was to drive dedication to the brand, according to Brian Collins -- who worked on the concept ... as a way to "snub short-term resolutions."

Clearly a polarizing ad campaign, but hey -- it ain't Jan. 1 anymore, so get that sweat on!

Martina Navratilova Battling Throat, Breast Cancer 'I'll Fight W/ All I Have Got'

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Martina Navratilova -- one of the greatest tennis players of all time -- just announced she has been diagnosed with Stage 1 throat and breast cancer ... but fortunately, she says her condition is "fixable."

The 66-year-old -- who won 59 Grand Slam titles during her career -- says she learned of her status after discovering an enlarged lymph node in her neck back in November.

"The cancer type is HPV and this particular type responds really well to treatment," Martina's rep said in a statement.

After undergoing tests, a mass was also found in her breast ... which was unrelated to the throat cancer.

Luckily, the rep says both cancers are in the early stages and the outcome is positive.

"This double whammy is serious but still fixable," Navratilova said. "I'm hoping for a favorable outcome. It’s going to stink for a while but I’ll fight with all I have got."

The 9-time Wimbledon winner previously battled breast cancer in 2010 ... and after radiation treatment, she was cleared of the disease six months later.

Navratilova will begin treatment this month ... and will sit out of her usual TV analyst gig for the Tennis Channel at the Australian Open.

Jeremy Renner Critically Injured in Snowplowing Accident

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Jeremy Renner was seriously injured during a snowplowing accident at a Nevada ski resort -- and had to be airlifted to a hospital.

The two-time Oscar-nominated actor was in "critical but stable condition with injuries suffered after experiencing a weather-related accident while plowing snow earlier [Sunday],” a rep told Deadline.

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BEFORE THE ACCIDENT

The rep says Jeremy's receiving excellent care, but would not disclose details about the accident or the injuries.

Renner has a house in the Mount Rose Ski Tahoe resort near Reno, which got slammed by a snowstorm on New Year's Eve. Thousands of homes in the area apparently lost power ... it's not clear if Jeremy's house was also impacted.

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As you probably know, Renner was nominated for an Academy Award in 2010 for his performance in the film, "The Hurt Locker." The following year ... he got another Oscar nom for his role in "The Town." He has also starred in countless other movies, including "The Avengers" and "Captain America: Civil War."

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RENNER RUSHED TO HOSPITAL

The injury was described as "traumatic."

Jeremiah Green Dead at 45 ... After Cancer Battle

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Jeremiah Green, co-founder and drummer for Modest Mouse, has died just days after the band announced he was battling stage 4 cancer.

The group made the announcement on New Year's Eve, saying ... "I don’t know a way to ease into this: Today we lost our dear friend Jeremiah. He laid down to rest and simply faded out. I’d like to say a bunch of pretty words right now, but it just isn’t the time. These will come later, and from many people. Please appreciate all the love you give, get, have given, and will get. Above all, Jeremiah was about love. We love you."

As we reported, Jeremiah was in treatment for cancer and all indications were it was going well. The band had asked fans to think of Jeremiah because they felt the positive energy would work.

Jeremiah and Isaac Brock found the group in 1992 and for the most part -- except for a short break in 2003 -- Green stayed in the band.

He was listed as #37 of the top 50 best rock drummers by Stylus Mag.

The band had success ... it was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the Grammys in 2005.

Modest Mouse released 7 albums, including "This Is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About." Music aside, it's one of the best titles ever! Some of their songs, including, "Lampshades on Fire," "Float On," "Ocean Breathes Salty," and "Dashboard" were especially popular.

Jeremiah was 45. RIP

'DOG'S MOST WANTED' STAR David Robinson Died From Heart Disease

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David Robinson, one of Dog the Bounty Hunter's partners for years and the star of "Dog's Most Wanted," died from heart issues.

David's wife, Brooke Robinson, tells TMZ ... the family just got the autopsy report back and it says the 50-year-old died from critical coronary artery disease.

TMZ broke the story ... David collapsed Nov. 30 during a Zoom call and he died in his wife's arms despite lifesaving maneuvers being performed.

David's wife tells us his death has left a void and hole in her life that can never be repaired ... and she says only God knows why David died so abruptly.

David worked closely with Dog on "Dog's Most Wanted" ... tracking down fugitives of Dog's choosing.

Brooke is remembering David for "his smile that would light up the world, his amazing laugh, and just how generous and caring he was."

She adds ... "David was the most genuine and authentic man. We had a once in a lifetime love, and that will continue to live forever."

Winter Storm Father of 7 Misses Chance at Heart Transplant ... After Weather Cancels Flight

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A father from Alaska missed a lifesaving opportunity to receive a new heart after his Alaska Airlines flight was canceled due to the historic U.S. winter storm.

Patrick Holland, who is battling congestive heart failure, was contacted by the University of Washington Medical Center on Dec. 22 saying he was next in line for a heart transplant.

The 56-year-old was given an 8-hour window to fly to Seattle for the heart transplant -- rushing to the Fairbanks, AK airport for an overnight flight -- according to CNN.

However, when he got to the airport, it was announced his flight was canceled due to weather. Alaska Airlines' staff tried to get him on the next flight, but it had to be rerouted. Unfortunately for Holland, that meant he'd miss the 8-hour window ... and the heart was given to someone else.

Holland spoke with King 5, saying, "I think I cried more that day than I have in my life, and exerted every emotion that I've never had. To get out of that funk, I immediately said, 'Thank God, there's going to be a family that is saving someone's dad, saving someone's brother, saving someone's, someone's uncle, you know.'"

Holland says he'll remain in Seattle for a bit in hopes another heart will become available ... one that will help him keep up with his wife of 17 years and his 7 kids.

Soccer Legend Pelé Dead At 82

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Brazilian soccer legend Pelé -- arguably the greatest football player ever -- has died.

The three-time World Cup winner passed away at a hospital in Sao Paulo surrounded by loved ones following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Pelé was initially diagnosed with the disease in 2021, and had been in and out of medical facilities over the past year to help him fight it. But, sadly, his condition worsened recently ... forcing him to spend the last two months in a hospital bed.

Pelé was able to watch the 2022 World Cup in his final days ... and even penned a congratulations post on his social media page to Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe after the epic Argentina vs. France final last weekend.

He had also written an emotional note to Neymar after a huge performance for Brazil earlier in the famed tournament.

Pelé joined Brazil's national team when he was just 16 years old ... and won his first-ever World Cup at age 17 in 1958. He went on to lead Brazil to two more titles in the event, winning it all in 1962 and 1970.

He's widely regarded as one of the best goal scorers ever -- with Cristiano Ronaldo previously calling him "the greatest player in football history."

He was 82.

RIP

Young Thug COVID Outbreak Among RICO Defendants Court Orders Testing

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Young Thug might soon be fighting more than charges ... as a COVID-19 outbreak has hit several of his codefendants in his RICO case.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, a bunch of the defendants and attorneys in Young Thug's ongoing case have tested positive for COVID. The court order states Young Thug could also be at risk of getting COVID and says he must get tested.

The court order, stamped on 12/28, does not have results from Young Thug's COVID test.

As we reported, Young Thug has been in custody for more than 7 months ... he was arrested back in May on gang-related charges tied to a 56-count indictment. He's slated for trial in January, with jury selection beginning on January 5.

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GUNNA LEAVING JAIL

Gunna, who was also locked up for several months, took a plea deal earlier this month by pleading guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge. He was sentenced to 5 years with one year commuted for the time he's already served. The remaining 4 will be suspended, pending community service and other special conditions.

Buffalo Blizzard Woman Sends Chilling Texts To Family ... Before She Dies Trapped In Her Car

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STRANDED IN A STORM

A student nurse got trapped in her car during upstate New York's massive snowstorm this week, prompting her to send a series of text messages to her family, chillingly detailing her final moments before she died.

Anndel Taylor was heading home from work on Christmas Eve when her vehicle got stuck in the historic blizzard that engulfed Buffalo. As she waited for crews to rescue her, Anndel started texting her 3 sisters, becoming increasingly frustrated over many hours.

In one message, she wrote, "stuck in the f***ing blizzard." One sister later texted back, "You still out there Pookie," referring to Anndel, who responded, "Unfortunately."

After recuse crews still hadn't arrived, Anndel texted her sisters again, saying, "Imma sleep here Idk how long this gas will last. I'm livid bro my door damn near covered." Things became so grim Anndel texted that city officials didn't "gaf" --short for give a f***-- about her being stuck.

Anndel apparently died later that night, but her body was not removed from the car until the next day, although it's not clear why. Her mom seems to think Anndel died of carbon monoxide poisoning from snow covering her exhaust pipe as she slept with the engine running.

Anndel's family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs.

She was 22.

RIP

Tua Tagovailoa Diagnosed With Another Concussion

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Scary news for Tua Tagovailoa ... the Dolphins star has been diagnosed with yet another concussion.

Miami head coach Mike McDaniel just confirmed his quarterback sustained the head injury in the 26-20 loss to the Packers on Sunday ... and is now out for the team's game this weekend against the Patriots.

McDaniel was somber in delivering the news to a gathering of reporters on Wednesday ... saying, "This is a private time for him to focus on his health."

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MORE HEALTH CONCERNS

"And," he added, "that's all I really want to get into."

The 24-year-old appeared to be injured in the first half of the game against Green Bay in Miami ... after his head was seen slamming onto the ground following a hard hit. He stayed in the game, though he struggled mightily, throwing three interceptions in the second half.

The latest concussion comes less than three months after he suffered head injuries in back-to-back games against the Bills and then the Bengals.

During the contest against Cincinnati, he had to be stretchered off the field and rushed to a hospital due to the violence of the hit.

At the time, medical experts -- including famed neuropathologist Bennet Omalu -- urged him to consider retirement ... explaining another significant head injury could lead to catastrophic longterm effects.

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WALK AWAY.

Tagovailoa said following his return he wasn't too worried about it all ... explaining he felt good after speaking with his own doctors.

It's not yet clear if Tagovailoa will return to the field this season -- or if ever again. Teddy Bridgewater is expected to start in his absence.

Cops: Gervonta Davis Slapped Woman With Closed Hand ... Left Abrasion Inside Lip

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Cops say Gervonta Davis roughed up a woman in Florida on Tuesday afternoon -- slapping her with a "closed hand" ... and leaving her with an abrasion on the inside of her upper lip.

Police officers spelled out the allegations against the star boxer in court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, claiming the incident happened at a residence in Parkland at around 1:25 PM.

According to the docs, the 28-year-old fighter "did actually and intentionally touch and strike" the woman "against her will" and "did intentionally cause bodily harm to her."

Police say in the docs Davis struck the woman on the right side of her head "with a closed hand type slap." Cops said the woman was left with a facial injury ... but was able to exit the home following the altercation.

As we reported, Davis was arrested about an hour after the alleged incident -- and booked on a domestic violence battery charge. Jail records show he's still in police custody.

Davis is scheduled to fight Hector Luis Garcia in a much-anticipated boxing match on Jan. 7 in Washington D.C.

Following the contest, he was expected to make a super fight with fellow star pugilist Ryan Garcia.

It's unclear if the HLG fight is now in jeopardy over the arrest.

Grammy Nominated Modest Mouse Drummer Jeremiah Green Battling Late Stage Cancer

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Jeremiah Green, drummer for Grammy-nominated rock band Modest Mouse, is fighting late-stage cancer, this according to his family.

His mom, Carol Namatame, posted a Facebook message about Jeremiah's diagnosis, but did not reveal his specific type of cancer. Carol asked everyone to "send healing vibes" to her son, whom she described as "so strong" and "so brave."

Seattle radio DJ Marco Collins also took to FB to give an update about his friend, saying Green had to slam the breaks on touring with the band so he could receive chemotherapy. Still, Collins says Green's "prognosis is good!"

Modest Mouse had been touring to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its popular second album, "The Lonesome Crowded West." Green, who's 45 years old, was last seen performing Dec. 1 in Los Angeles.

The indie rock band was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 47th Grammy Awards in 2005. Green is a founding member of the group best known for the song, "Float On."

Rescue22 Founder We Train Pets For Vets ... Saving Two At A Time!!!

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Former Navy SEAL John Devine is giving back to other vets and saving animals through his org. ... pairing rescue animals with disabled veterans, free of charge!

The Rescue22 founder joined "TMZ Live" to talk all about his org. ... and the impact of turning rescue dogs into service animals for vets in need.

John tells us, his foundation prides itself on saving "two at a time," changing the lives of dogs and veterans ... by traveling to different shelters, training dogs and donating them to injured vets.

And, it's kind of a big deal ... many vets have PTSD, traumatic brain injuries or other medical conditions. Nearly 1,600 returned are now amputees. He says service dogs for vets can cost anywhere between $20K and $40K. So, his foundation not only saves lives but it saves them a ton of money.

We're told training dogs can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, depending on the disability ... but it's super impactful. He notes 22 vets die by suicide per day, on average ... hence where he got the name for the org.

As a former U.S. Navy SEAL, he wants to use the skills he learned to train dogs and help others. His hope is to become "Rescue0" ... in other words, he wants to prevent the number of deaths amongst veterans and help transition back into civilian life.

He says every dollar counts and the money goes toward food, medical, training, etc. You can get more info and donate at rescue22foundation.org.