Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin returns to Pittsburgh to play in front of hometown fans

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is preparing for his first season in the National Football League since he suffered a cardiac arrest against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2. The cause of the incident was later defined as commotio cordis.

On Saturday evening, he’ll be making his return to Pittsburgh, to play in front of his hometown fans. The Bills and Steelers will kick off on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m EST in their preseason matchup.

Check out the tweet that Hamlin posted on his Twitter page on Saturday night. “Honey, I’m Homeeee.”

Honey I’m Homeeee😘💍💍 pic.twitter.com/9z2EDESHhS

— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) August 19, 2023

He nearly died in the scary incident in January, but was revived by the Bills’ training staff and medical personnel.

At 25 years old, the safety still has a lot to offer the Bills defense. Last season, he posted 91 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble.

Hamlin is still playing on his four-year rookie contract, but a big season in 2023 could have him signing an early extension by training camp next year. He’s become an inspiration to many and a face of the Bills franchise since his ordeal and recovery.

After practice at the end of July, Hamlin sat down with the media for a 22-minute-long press conference before heading to see fans that stuck around to meet him.

Hamlin completes CPR training tour

Hamlin’s near death on the field in Cincinnati is inspiring him to go above and beyond to help others.

The Bills safety spent his summer helping to teach the techniques that saved his life back on Jan. 2. Using his Chasing M’s foundation, Hamlin was able to spread the word on CPR. At each stop, his foundation handed out automated external defibrillators (AED) to youth sports organizations. And everyone who attended the events also learned how to do CPR.

Damar Hamlin is now much more than just an NFL player heading into this third season. He also is a conduit for what he calls a “superpower.”

“I just want to be able to … take a nation of bystanders and turn them into lifesavers and give them a true superpower,” Hamlin said in an interview with the Associated Press. “To be able to save a life is a true superpower. Instead of people standing by not knowing what to do, I’m just trying to create more people who do know what to do. This weekend specifically, people in my community.”

He added “My (fame) came about a different way. But we’re here and we’re getting the job done.”

“I wake up every day and think about how I can impact the world in a positive way,” Hamlin added. “That’s what I care about if you take away everything else.”

On3’s Suzanne Halliburton and Nikki Chavanelle also contributed to this report.