NFL Miracle: Damar Hamlin To Start On Week 1 For Buffalo Bills; From Cardiac Arrest to the Field

Damar Hamlin To Start On Week 1 For Buffalo BillsPhoto byBuffalo Bills on X

It’s nothing short of amazing the way the human body can heal and revitalize itself. And that’s what happened with Damar Hamlin as he is set to start on Week 1 for the Buffalo Bills. Hamlin’s story is so incredible and it’s hard to believe that his comeback will be complete when he takes the field on Sunday. This will be his first start since he suffered cardiac arrest in January 2023. It happened against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football 20 months ago. Although he appeared in five games last season for the Bills, this will be his first as a starter.

Early on in that game Hamlin attempted to tackle Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on a routine play. Hamlin quickly got to his feet then fell backward and lay motionless on the field. He was given medical treatment, including CPR, on the field for nearly 20 minutes. Then he was taken in an ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The next day, Jan. 3 Hamlin was sedated and in critical condition at the hospital. It was confirmed that his heart had stopped on the field before being resuscitated.

Just two days later Hamlin was communicating in writing with family and others at his bedside. His first question was, “Did we win?” By Jan. 9 he had been flown to Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute and was in stable condition. On Jan. 22 Hamlin made his first public appearance. Waving to fans from a stadium suite during the Bills’ home playoff game against the Bengals.

At this point, Hamlin’s recovery was well underway. So on April 18 general manager Brandon Beane announced Hamlin’s intent to return. Hamlin made it clear he wanted to play football again.

Damar Hamlin To Start On Week 1 For Buffalo Bills

Therefore it was no surprise when Hamlin suited up and took a few hits on July 31 2023. It was the Bills’ first full-padded practice of training camp. Hamlin said at that time, “This is just a another milestone on the journey — might be one of the biggest ones. My faith is stronger than any fear.”

Hamlin elaborated on what his journey meant last season in a press conference today.

“Last season was primarily just about healing and making myself do the hard stuff, thrusting myself into things that were uncomfortable that maybe were fearful or gave me anxiety. But I was doing the hard stuff last year to make it easier this year.”

Hamlin’s journey has truly been inspirational and the sort of feel-good story that puts a smile on your face. We wish all the best for Damar when he takes the field on Sunday!

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