A year after overcoming a life-threatening experience to continue his football career, Damar Hamlin, safety for the Buffalo Bills, achieved a new milestone by being named a starter for the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Sean McDermott praised Hamlin’s resilience and versatility, highlighting the significant challenges he had to overcome to reach this point.
Despite facing competition from other players for the starting position, Hamlin’s consistent performance and chemistry with teammate Taylor Rapp secured him the role. The 26-year-old’s journey back to the field was marked by a severe health scare when he went into cardiac arrest during a game in Cincinnati, resulting from a condition known as commotio cordis.
Following his recovery and gradual return to football, Hamlin played in a limited capacity last season but emerged this year as a reliable starter after filling in for the injured Micah Hyde in many games. Overcoming his initial anxieties, Hamlin expressed a newfound sense of freedom and focus on the game during the current season.
Originally drafted by the Bills in 2021 from the University of Pittsburgh, Hamlin’s remarkable resurgence in the sport has been praised by his team and fans alike. His promotion to a starting role symbolizes not just his individual triumph but also his team’s belief in his abilities and dedication.
For more NFL news and updates, visit the official AP NFL website.
