Damar Hamlin, safety for the Buffalo Bills, participated in an offseason training activity (OTA) on Tuesday, marking the first time he wore his helmet and fully participated since suffering cardiac arrest during a game in January. Cameras were pointed in his and newly signed teammate Leonard Floyd’s direction as Hamlin formed a heart with his hands and put up three fingers on each hand, symbolizing his number. After the practice, general manager Brandon Beane texted Hamlin’s parents to express how proud he was of the safety’s progress and thrilled for where he’s at in his journey.
Hamlin’s practice was largely normal, including tight defending against running back Nyheim Hines on a ball thrown downfield that fell incomplete. However, with just under a half-hour left of practice, Hamlin was in tight coverage with wide receiver KeeSean Johnson on a pass from quarterback Kyle Allen, and the pair fell to the ground while competing for the catch. Hamlin was slow to get up, with other defensive backs helping him. On the sideline, Hamlin threw his helmet to the ground in frustration, and trainers looked at his right shoulder/arm area. Hamlin was able to fully return to the field.
The Next Step
The next step for Hamlin, according to Beane, will be putting on pads and tackling during training camp as the team brings him into the fold at his pace. Beane said he is not expecting Hamlin to start camp on either PUP or NFI. The team is building up his reps, and he is mentally ready to go. Hamlin knows the defense, and it’s Year 3 into it. The team believes it was really important for him to participate if he could and felt he was ready, but this is a two-way communication. Hamlin has worked really hard on the mental side of his recovery, and physically, he’s all cleared. However, mentally, this is a real deal after what he’s been through.
Hamlin, 25, announced he was physically cleared to resume playing in April. He has been at every session open to the media since but did not wear his helmet or participate in individual or team drills the way he did Tuesday. In April, Hamlin said the mental journey and roller coaster of emotions were the hardest hurdle, but he had support in the Bills’ facility.
On Saturday, Hamlin announced that he was launching a CPR tour, which began in Buffalo and will include stops in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, with CPR training and the distribution of AEDs to support youth sports and community groups.
Hamlin’s story is a testament to perseverance and determination. Despite suffering cardiac arrest during a game just a few months ago, he is well on his way to returning to the field. The Bills are taking things at Hamlin’s pace, building up his reps, and ensuring he is mentally ready to play again. With the next step being putting on pads and tackling during training camp, Hamlin’s return to football is looking more and more likely.
Leave a Reply