For the first time since collapsing on the field in a game last January, Damar Hamlin played in an NFL game. The Bills defensive back took the field as Buffalo hosted the Colts in the team’s first preseason game of the Summer seven months after nearly losing his life during a game.
Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on January 2 after getting hit while playing the Bengals in Cincinnati. The cornerback was able to recover as multiple heart specialists cleared him to return, paving his way to become a full participant in OTAs in the Spring.
Last month, Hamlin practiced in pads for the first time since the incident, and now he has cleared his final hurdle by playing in a legitimate game.
For the first time since last season, Damar Hamlin is out on the field. 🫶#INDvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/l2dKdNh7De
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 12, 2023
In his first drive back, Hamlin made a crucial tackle on fourth-and-short, stopping Colts running back Evan Hull from getting the first down and forcing a turnover on downs.
Damar Hamlin in on the stop on fourth and short. The comeback is complete. pic.twitter.com/RFrhhjazNP
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) August 12, 2023
Hamlin enters the season as a backup in a strong Buffalo secondary, but he should get opportunities to expand his role as the season progresses.
