Damar Hamlin will be returning to Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, the filed where he suffered cardiac arrest on Monday Night Football just last season. On January 2, 2023, the Buffalo Bills safety collapsed to the ground after a routine hit. He was administered CPR on the field for nine minutes before being rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Although Damar has since made a full recovery, he has no idea what to expect as he prepares to step back out onto the field that changed his life completely.
"Man, I’m thankful for life," the 25-year-old shared in an interview with the New York Post. "Honestly, I’m thankful to wake up, brush my teeth, have a meal. Take 10 deep breaths. I’m thankful for everything.”
“Life is bigger than just ball for me and always will be until the day that I go, but to be able to do what I do at the highest level, I’m an extra level of thankful, you know," he continued. “I’m super thankful to have my normal life back. But I’m extremely thankful to be able to continue to compete at the highest level and do what I love to do.”
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The football player's first time back on the field was October 1, 2023, against the Miami Dolphins. The Buffalo Bills posted a video on Instagram of him running onto the field alongside his teammates.
"This moment is everything. #MIAvsBUF #BillsMafia," the caption read.
People flooded the comments with support. "My heart ❤️," one user shared. "So glad to see you on the field. ❤️❤️❤️," another person commented.
The game taking place is a Week 9 matchup. Damar told the Post that he's unsure if he'll play in Sunday's game, as he has been pretty inactive during gamedays this season.
“I don’t know what to expect. You know, this is unique to me as well,” he said. “All I know is I’m walking in with courage."
"I’m walking in with strength and I’m walking in with my brothers. You know, and I’m walking in with my mom, my dad, my family," he continued. "And I’m walking into, you know, an environment of people that supported me the entire time."
“They continue to support me, you know, on both ends. So, you know, it’s a lot of love," Damar concluded. "I can’t wait to receive it and give it and show my gratitude, you know, but ultimately we’re going up there to get a win.”
