Damar Hamlin opens up about returning to Cincinnati after cardiac arrest

Buffalo Bills (5-3) safety Damar Hamlin will make his return to Cincinnati Sunday for the Week 9 matchup against the Bengals (4-3) for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest on the field on Jan. 2.

Speaking ahead of his return to Paycor Stadium, Hamlin said it will be an emotional day, yet one he’s looking forward to.

Damar Hamlin opens up on being back in Cincinnati after cardiac arrest last season 🙏

"I ain't running from it. I'm ready to walk through the fire."

(via The Voncast) pic.twitter.com/z5PmRKlviC

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 2, 2023

“I think it’s going to be super-electric, and I think it’s going to be nothing but love,” Hamlin told teammate Von Miller on ‘The Voncast’, via People. “Only thing I got to compare it to is just going back into our stadium and how much love and reception [he got]. Going back into there, I’m pretty sure it’ll be like a bunch of memories, which will make it emotional for me. But, I ain’t running from it, I’m ready to walk through the fire.”

Will Damar Hamlin play in return to Cincinnati?

Hamlin, 25, has appeared in three games this season in a backup role. It’s unclear if he’ll play this Sunday. Head coach Sean McDermott said the decision on whether Hamlin will play will be a football decision, not an emotional one.

“We acknowledge, as a team, what unfolded there,” McDermott said this week. “We are so thankful, as a team, that Damar is in a good spot.”

Regardless if he plays or not, Hamlin knows he’ll have the support from everyone, as he did 11 months ago.

“I don’t know what to expect. You know, this is unique to me as well,” Hamlin said, per the New York Post. “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. 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. 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.”