PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Damar Hamlin was seen grinning broadly and waving cheerfully as he whizzed past on a scooter at the Buffalo Bills’ training camp. He executed a smooth and swift turn up a hill towards the dormitories, radiating a sense of ease and happiness.
A year after overcoming the harrowing experience of returning to football following a near-fatal incident, Hamlin appears to have little fear or hesitation. His upbeat demeanor reflects his emotional and mental freedom, something he shared with The Associated Press on Sunday.
“My mind is free. My spirit is free. My soul is free,” Hamlin stated, emphasizing his clarity of thought and the absence of lingering doubts about the possibility of a recurrence of his previous condition.
Hamlin’s reference to his renewed sense of freedom is tied to the severe cardiac event he suffered on January 2, 2023, during a game against Cincinnati. After a seemingly routine tackle, Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest and required immediate resuscitation on the field. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma for two days before waking up surrounded by his family.
The medical diagnosis pinpointed commotio cordis as the cause— a rare condition where a precise impact to the chest during a critical moment in the heartbeat leads to sudden cardiac arrest. Despite medical assurances that the risk of recurrence was minimal, Hamlin found that carefully navigating his return to the sport— from practicing to playing in games— was instrumental in restoring his confidence. The time elapsed since the incident has afforded Hamlin valuable perspective, allowing him to move forward and “grow and let go of the past.”
“Time heals all,” Hamlin reflected. “That’s true for relationships, life, and recovery from trauma. It’s crucial to let time do its work.”
With the past behind him, Hamlin is now concentrating on securing his place on the team’s roster. This has been a familiar challenge for him since the Buffalo Bills selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite his experience with the Bills, nothing is guaranteed, especially with two starting safety positions open due to Jordan Poyer’s departure and Micah Hyde’s potential retirement.
Taylor Rapp has been designated to fill one starting position, leaving Hamlin in a competitive battle for the remaining spot. He faces competition from free-agent acquisition Mike Edwards and rookie Cole Bishop, with further complexity introduced by recent signings of veteran players Kareem Jackson and Terrell Burgess, who are covering for Edwards (hamstring) and Bishop (shoulder) injuries.
Hamlin has approached spring practices with a determined attitude. General Manager Brandon Beane noted Hamlin’s renewed hunger and focus, highlighting his drive to prove himself and secure a starting role. “He wants to show that he can start and make plays. He’s very much aware of the changes around him and remains eager to demonstrate his abilities,” Beane said.
Coach Sean McDermott also praised Hamlin’s performance, noting his consistent high level of play during practices and his enjoyable demeanor on the field. “It’s fun to watch him having fun out there, and you can see he’s serious about his work,” McDermott observed.
Last season, Hamlin played only five games due to the gradual approach to his return and the acquisition of Rapp as the No. 3 safety. In 2022, Hamlin’s most significant playing time came from starting 13 games in place of Hyde, who was sidelined with a neck injury.
Hamlin remains committed to his preparation and goals. Reflecting on his journey, he recalled telling a reporter at the time of his draft that he was willing to do whatever it took to help his team win. “I trust myself and believe that my best football is yet to come,” Hamlin said. He also referenced a recent thought about letting go of the past to embrace the present and future, which has been central to his mental preparation for the season.
Off the field, Hamlin’s positive impact continues. He has advocated for CPR training at training camps and supported legislation in Ohio mandating automatic external defibrillators in schools and sports venues. Hamlin is determined to push for similar legislation across all 50 states, paralleling his on-field ambitions with his mission to improve life-saving practices. “I’m driven by the same passion for my goals off the field as I am for those on it,” he said. “I’m grateful for my life and the opportunity to make a difference.
