Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin Returns in 'Surreal' Moment 9 Months After Cardiac Arrest

Damar Hamlin made his Buffalo Bills return nearly nine months after going into cardiac arrest.

Jeremy Brener | Oct 2, 2023

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The Buffalo Bills are celebrating after a big 48-20 win against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday inside Highmark Stadium ... but there was more than a victory on the schedule to celebrate.

After not playing in the team's first three games, defensive back Damar Hamlin made his 2023 debut just nine months after suffering a cardiac arrest on Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"Nine months ago, this young man's in the situation he was in and now he's back playing in training camp, preseason and now the regular season at an NFL level, just a surreal moment to watch," coach Sean McDermott said.

Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin / USA Today

Hamlin played 18 special teams snaps in the win, but his return has made a big impact on his teammates both on and off the field.

"Just to see what he went through and being there for each and every step to see D-Ham come back, put the pads on," Micah Hyde said. "Mentally, I prepared myself to get back ready for this season, and that's not even close to what D-Ham went through. I'm extremely proud of him."

It remains to be seen how Hamlin's role will develop as the season moves forward, but this was a step in the right direction for his growth. With cornerback Tre'Davious White tearing his Achilles on Sunday, the depth for the defensive backs will be tested and Hamlin could be part of those plans.

Hamlin and the Bills play on Sunday in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

Published Oct 2, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.