Damar Hamlin expresses goal to play in the NFL again

February 18, 2023 ndowd

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin says that he would like to play in the NFL again after recovering from cardiac arrest.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was one of the stars of Super Bowl 57 weekend, as he was honored ahead at the NFL Honors and prior to the big game alongside the doctors and medical personnel who saved his life.

Back in Week 17, Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a tackle attempt against the Cincinnati Bengals. Bills assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington performed CPR for nearly 10 minutes before he was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition. From there, his condition improved by the day, and he was eventually discharged and allowed to return home over a week later.

Hamlin was interviewed by Michael Strahan on ABC’s Good Morning America, and the defensive back expressed his desire to continue his playing career.

“Eventually. That’s always the goal, like I said, as a competitor, you know, I’m trying to do things to keep advancing my situation,” Hamlin said, h/t ESPN. “But I’m allowing that to be in God’s hands. I’m just thankful he gave me a second chance.”

Damar Hamlin would ‘eventually’ like to play in the NFL

Hamlin was also asked by Strahan what doctors told him about the potential of him returning to the NFL.

“It’s a tough situation,” said Hamlin. “They can’t really tell, because it’s like — it’s an up-to-me thing I guess or, you know, it’s just — it’s a long road. They’re just worried about trying to get me back to normal as much as they can.”

Prior to his medical scare, Hamlin had become a regular starter on Buffalo’s defense. In 15 games (13 starts), Hamlin recorded 91 combined tackles (63 solo, 28 assisted), three quarterback hits, two passes defended, and one forced fumble.

After being admitted to UC Medical Center, Hamlin’s condition progressed. He had a breathing tube removed and he was able to move his hands and feet. Then, the first thing he asked doctors was “did we win” in regards to the Week 17 Bills-Bengals game that was canceled due to the seriousness of Hamlin’s situation.

Hamlin was eventually discharged from UC Medical Center, where he then went to Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute. After receiving medical evaluations and undergoing cardiac, neurological, and vascular testing, Hamlin was discharged from Buffalo General Medical Center and allowed to return home.