Damar Hamlin's Cardiac Arrest on the Field
During the first quarter of the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2nd, 2023, Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field shortly after making a tackle. Medical personnel quickly ran onto the field and began CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) as Hamlin went into cardiac arrest.
The game was initially temporarily suspended before ultimately being postponed. Hamlin was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he remained in critical condition for several days. The scary incident brought an outpouring of support across the NFL and sports world at large.
Hamlin's Road to Recovery
After days of being sedated and on a ventilator, Hamlin began making remarkable progress. His first public statement came on January 6th when he wrote “Putting love into the world comes back 3xs as much... thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed. This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!”
Just over a week after his collapse, Hamlin was breathing fully on his own and walking around the hospital. His doctors were “astonished” at the pace of his recovery, which was credited in part to his high level of fitness as a professional athlete.
Returning to Buffalo
On January 9th, Hamlin was discharged from the UC Medical Center and flown back to Buffalo. In an emotional press conference, his doctors said that Hamlin showed “substantial improvement” and was “neurologically completely intact.” Remarkably, no cause for the cardiac arrest was ever determined.
The Bills provided regular positive updates on Hamlin's continued improvement and he frequently posted on social media, expressing gratitude for the widespread support. Just over a month after his collapse, Hamlin visited teammates at the Bills’ facility for the first time since being hospitalized.
Hamlin's Triumphant Return
In late August, Hamlin returned to practice with a custom-made protective padding that cleared him for contact. His teammates embraced him emotionally on the field. Hamlin said “the best was just being back on the field, being in the locker room, being around the guys. That’s where I’m most happy.”
On October 2nd, the NFL world celebrated as Hamlin took the field in a regular season game for the first time since his injury. Playing against the Baltimore Ravens, he saw significant action and made 5 tackles.
A Comeback for the Ages
Hamlin’s incredible recovery has defied expectations and demonstrated the remarkable resilience of the human body and spirit. From the dire moments after his collapse to his emotional return to action, Damar Hamlin’s journey has captivated millions of passionate NFL fans.
His comeback delivered optimism, togetherness, and some much-needed positivity during a difficult time in our world. While doctors warn of potential long-term risks, his perseverance through intensive rehab embodies the uphill battles many patients face every day.
As the 2023 season kicks off, Damar Hamlin’s return to full health reminds us of sports’ unique power to inspire. His resilience exemplifies why we watch the game. Against all odds, anything is possible if you keep fighting.