Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin On Return To Cincinnati: 'Tonight Was Everything!'

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin showed his appreciation for a warm welcome back to Cincinnati after his near-death experience in January.

Despite not suiting up, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was the center of attention before, during and after Sunday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sunday's game marked the first time Hamlin had been to Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium since Jan. 2, when he suffered cardiac arrest on the field and had to be taken to the hospital. As Hamlin was fighting for his life, the NFL watched on in support with thoughtful gestures like wearing T-shirts bearing the phrase "Love for Damar" with his No. 3 on it. In the months since his near-death experience, Hamlin has been an inspiration to the entire sports world thanks to his miraculous recovery.

After 10 months, Hamlin made his long-awaited return to Cincinnati, and even though he didn't play, it was an experience he'll never forget.

Hamlin during warmups on Sunday night / © Katie Stratman, USA TODAY

"Tonight was everything for me.. y’all don’t know the half of it. Trust me," Hamlin wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Hamlin took the time to soak in every bit of the night he could. After the game, the 25-year-old safety spent around 15 minutes alone at midfield just taking in the moment.

Tonight was everything for me.. y’all don’t know the half of it. Trust me. https://t.co/eQGkrqtZK0

— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) November 6, 2023

Hamlin's greatest act of appreciation actually came before the game. On Sunday morning, Hamlin announced that his foundation, Chasing M's, would be awarding 10 $1,000 scholarships named after the medical professionals who helped him recover.

"I'm humbled by the opportunity to set up a scholarship program to honor this team of professionals -- my Cincinnati heroes -- who helped save my life," Hamlin said in a statement. "Today, as I look at honoring these Cincinnati heroes and lifting up young people who are trying to find their way, I'm reminded of the enormous blessing I've been given through my charity and the generosity of people around the world."

A third-year player out of Pittsburgh, Hamlin has only appeared in one game this season, and he played entirely on special teams.