Damar Hamlin makes Bills 53-man roster

There will indeed be another chapter to the Damar Hamlin comeback story, as the Buffalo Bills announced Tuesday he has made the initial 53-man roster.

While not a major surprise, it’s still a notable achievement nonetheless for Hamlin, nearly nine months removed from suffering a cardiac arrest during the Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals last season. Medical personnel performed CPR on the field and he was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. Those professionals and their quick actions saved Hamlin’s life.

He now finds himself primed for a return in Week 1 of the 2023 regular season against the New York Jets on Sept. 11. Hamlin is expected to work as the backup safety and on special teams, as he did during the preseason.

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. Through his first two seasons in the league, Hamlin has played in 29 games for Buffalo. He’s credited with 93 tackles and four passes defended while on the field.

Damar Hamlin’s comeback story nearing completion

He made his on-field return in the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts earlier this month, playing 24 snaps and recording three tackles. He immediately made his presence known on the Colts’ second offensive drive, stuffing running back Evan Hull for no gain on a fourth-and-1 attempt for a turnover on downs.

“It was fun. It was super fun, it was a great experience, just another milestone and a step up to just getting back to myself as far as the football space,” Hamlin said after the game, via NFL.com. “Just chopping this tree down as much as I can, one step at a time.”

Hamlin said it felt like a “weight off my shoulders” after making his first tackle of the game.

“I made the choice that I wanted to play, you know, it wasn’t nobody else’s choices but mine. So, making that choice, I know what comes with it,” Hamlin said. “So, you see my cleats laced up and my helmet and shoulder pads on there ain’t going to be no hesitation. Because you can’t play this game like that. You’ll put yourself at more risk by hesitating. I’m out there. I’m just not thinking twice… Just playing my game and kind of how I was taught to play since I was my little brother’s age.”