Crystal Pouncey
Oct 01, 2023 - 11:15

Bills Damar Hamlin: Playing in 1st Regular-Season Game Since Cardiac Arrest

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin returned to the field for the first time since suffering cardiac arrest last season.

The Buffalo Bills achieved a resounding victory of 48-20 over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, but the highlight of the game was the return of safety Damar Hamlin to the field. This marked his first appearance since suffering cardiac arrest during a game last season.

Hamlin made his presence known on Buffalo's opening kickoff coverage team and also saw action on special teams throughout the game. Although he didn't record a tackle, he expressed his joy at being able to play again.

Speaking to reporters, Hamlin said, "It felt amazing. The energy from the fans was incredible. Just being out there with my teammates, having my family in the stands... Everyone on the team gave me confidence and positive energy. Playing with everyone again felt incredible."

Before the game, Hamlin shared a special moment with his teammates. He was the last player to emerge from the tunnel, much to the delight of the home crowd.

The incident that led to Hamlin's absence occurred during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2. The Bills' training and medical staff immediately provided life-saving measures before he was taken by ambulance to a Cincinnati hospital. He spent a week there for further recovery.

In April, the 25-year-old announced that he had received full clearance from multiple specialists to return to football. He participated in OTAs and training camp during the offseason and played in all three of Buffalo's preseason games.

Although Hamlin was initially not included in the active roster for the first three weeks of the regular season, he got his chance to play against the Dolphins when starting safety Jordan Poyer was sidelined due to a knee injury. Backup safety Taylor Rapp took Poyer's place and finished the game with six tackles, coming in second on the team.

Hamlin's return adds to the positive momentum for the Buffalo Bills after their season-opening loss to the New York Jets. With a current record of 3-1, they will aim for their fourth consecutive win when they travel to London in Week 5 to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who currently hold a 2-2 record.