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NFLPA Medical Director Guarantees Damar Hamlin Will Play Football Again

The Bills safety went into cardiac arrest last month after making what appeared to be a routine tackle.

Wilton Jackson

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Thom Mayer, the medical director for the NFL Players Association, said Wednesday that he’s extremely confident Bills safety Damar Hamlin will play football again.

Mayer appeared on the SiriusXM Doctor Radio show Heart to Heart and was asked by a caller if Hamlin would be able to return to the sport. Mayer, who spent time with Hamlin while he recovered from cardiac arrest in Cincinnati, then assured the caller that Hamlin would be back on the gridiron.

“I don’t want to get into HIPAA issues, but I guarantee you that Damar Hamlin will play professional football again,” Mayer said.

Mayer’s response marks the most optimistic public prognosis to date for Hamlin. During the Bills’ Monday Night Football game against the Bengals on Jan. 2, Hamlin made what appeared to be a routine tackle. However, after rising to his feet, Hamlin collapsed. He was administered CPR and transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he stayed for the better part of a week.

Hamlin was transferred to a Buffalo hospital on Jan. 9 and released on Jan. 11. He made his first public comments after the episode when he shared an extensive “thank you” message on Jan. 28 on Instagram.

“What happened to me on Monday Night Football was a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share my passion and my love directly from my heart with the entire world,” Hamlin said. “And I’m able to give it back to kids and communities all across the world who need it the most. And that’s always been my dream. That’s always been what I’ve stood for and I will continue to stand for.”

Earlier this month, Hamlin started a campaign in partnership with the American Heart Association, to increase CPR awareness and education. He also received the NFLPA’s highest honor Wednesday when the union announced he was the recipient of this year’s Alan Page Community award. 

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Wilton Jackson
WILTON JACKSON

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