Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Returns to NFL Field After Cardiac Arrest
Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin made a triumphant return to the football field on Saturday during the team’s first preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. This marked Hamlin’s first action in an NFL game since suffering a cardiac arrest on the field in January.
As the Bills ran onto the field at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, Hamlin was welcomed warmly by the team’s fans. He entered the game at 11:38 of the first quarter on kickoff coverage following a Bills touchdown.
During the game, Hamlin played on special teams and defense, making three tackles in limited playing time. His notable performance included a fourth-down tackle that forced a turnover on downs.
This was a particularly emotional moment for Hamlin, as it was his first appearance on the NFL playing field since his cardiac arrest incident on January 2. The 25-year-old safety collapsed after making a tackle and took a shot to the head and chest area during the first quarter of the Bills’ Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Medical professionals and trainers quickly performed CPR on Hamlin when he lost his pulse. He needed to be revived through resuscitation and defibrillation and spent over a week in a Cincinnati hospital, including time on a ventilator.
After undergoing evaluations by three separate specialists over the offseason, Hamlin was fully cleared to resume football activities in April. It was determined that his cardiac arrest was caused by commotio cordis, a rare condition where severe trauma to the chest disrupts the heart’s electrical charge, leading to abnormal heartbeats.
In April, Hamlin spoke about the incident, saying, “I died on national TV in front of the whole world. My heart is still in it. My heart is still in the game. I love the game. It’s something I want to prove to myself, not nobody else.”
Since then, Hamlin has reached several milestones on his journey back to the NFL. He participated in full practice in June and started wearing pads again in July.
Hamlin’s return to the football field is not only a testament to his resilience but also serves as an inspiration to others who may have faced similar challenges. It is a reminder of the importance of determination, perseverance, and the unwavering love for the game.