Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has achieved another significant milestone in his incredible comeback to NFL football.
Nearly 20 months after a life-threatening event, Hamlin has been officially named a starter for the Bills’ regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed Hamlin’s promotion, revealing that he will be starting alongside Taylor Rapp.
“What can’t this young man do?” McDermott remarked. “Recovering from an ACL injury or a broken bone is one thing, but coming back from what he endured, and choosing to play contact football again, is extraordinary.”
Hamlin’s path to this achievement has been incredibly challenging. In January 2023, he experienced a cardiac arrest following what seemed like a routine tackle during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Thanks to the swift response from medical personnel, he was revived on the field and later diagnosed with commotio cordis, a rare condition caused by a direct impact to the chest.
Despite not having a guaranteed starting position, Hamlin worked hard during Bills training camp, surpassing both veteran and rookie competitors.
“My mind is clear. My spirit is free. My soul is liberated,” Hamlin shared. “I’m able to think without being weighed down by fears of a repeat incident.”
Now, Hamlin is set to return to the field in a more prominent role than ever, demonstrating once more that his determination is unmatched.
