Damar Hamlin on return to football in preseason matchup with Colts: 'I'm just playing my game'

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin made his return to the gridiron Saturday — eight months after suffering a cardiac arrest during Week 17 of the 2022 regular season.

Hamlin saw 24 snaps in the 23-19 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts, recording three tackles. It was another chapter in Hamlin’s comeback story, one that many thought may never be written.

For the first time since last season, Damar Hamlin is out on the field. 🫶#INDvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/l2dKdNh7De

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 12, 2023

“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, who spent nine days in two hospitals after the on-field collapse, showed no signs of limitations in his first game back. 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.

Damar Hamlin in on the stop on fourth and short. The comeback is complete. pic.twitter.com/RFrhhjazNP

— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) August 12, 2023

“When you step in between those lines, you’re putting yourself at risk by hesitating and reserving yourself,” Hamlin said. “So, I made the choice that I wanted to play. It wasn’t anybody else’s choice but mine, so making that choice, I know what comes with it. So when you see my cleats laced up and my helmet and shoulder pads on, I’m going to go with no hesitation. Because you can’t play this game like that, you’ll put yourself at more risk if you hesitate. I’m out there just not thinking twice. Just playing my game how I was taught to play since I was my little brother’s age.”

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

“It for sure felt like a little weight off my shoulders,” Hamlin said. “I think it’ll be like that probably every game. But even before my situation it’s kind of like that, we all get butterflies until we get that first contact. That’s universal for being an athlete, that just lets you know you’re human, that just lets you know you live in the moment.”

Damar Hamlin makes an immediate impact in NFL return

Hamlin faced a terrifying situation in that Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, suffering a cardiac arrest while attempting to make a tackle. 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.

Because of the serious nature of the injury and the emotion felt across the league, the NFL canceled the game between the Bills and Bengals. When Hamlin woke up for the first time following the frightening incident, his first words were, “Did we win?”

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.

Head coach Sean McDermott called Hamlin’s return “remarkable.”

“What we just witnessed to me is remarkable,” McDermott said. “It really is. It’s a true sign of a young man’s courage and, obviously, everyone that helped him get to this point. I know there’s a football game going on out there today, but I mean, truly remarkable display of courage and strength and faith. Had a chance to communicate with Damar a little bit last night… He assured me he was ready to go and was going to trust in his preparation and God… I think that shows a lot about who he is.”