When Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills suffered a heart attack and slumped on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, many in the football world feared that the safety was lost for good.
After overcoming the life-threatening injury, Hamlin received clearance to play again, which he did on Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts in the team’s first preseason game. And what a comeback it was!
Damar Hamlin gets candid on “remarkable” return
The Bill’s team was perplexed in January when Damar required on-field cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to a cardiac attack. The young Bills player, though, was insistent that the potentially fatal tragedy could not be the end of his story and rejoined the team for practice in June.
Now his squad won the first preseason game against the Colts 23-19 on the road. The night saw the magnificent comeback of Damar, and the win only added the icing on the cake.
In a post-game interview, the safety also shared his side of the story regarding the astonishing comeback. He asserted that it was not easy for him to decide between his career and health but in the end, he chose to continue his on-field pursuit.
“When you step in between them lines, you’re putting yourself at risk by hesitating and by reserving yourself. I made the choice that I wanted to play. It wasn’t nobody else’s choice but mine. So making that choice, I know what comes with it.”
He set up a fantastic milestone in terms of comebacks in the NFL with his outstanding return on the field. The recent win should serve as a source of motivation for him going forward
“It was super fun. It was a great experience. Just another milestone and a step up just getting back to myself as far as in the football space and in the NFL.”
Bills safety features in the preseason game
The 25-year-old, who had two or more defensive series and three tackles, was seen racing toward the play in the first half. He had no visible hesitation and was extremely pleased with his performance because he had regained his full form.
“Yeah, man, it felt good. It for surely felt like a little weight off my shoulders. Amazing. It just makes me feel like I’m back in that element.”
After making a significant contribution in the first half, he was made to sit on the sideline for the second half.
Head coach Sean McDermott had a talk with the safety regarding his health issue, yet he assured the coach declaring himself as “ready to go”.
“I had a chance to communicate with Damar a little bit last night and he assured me he was ready to go. So, he trusts his preparation and God. I think that shows a lot about who he is.”
It remains to be seen if Big Mo could carry on his play and establish his name on the team’s roster in the regular season’s games.
