Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest on January 2, 2023, has been declared 100% ready for the upcoming season, his coach declared. He joined his team for training camp in preparation for the resumption of the NHL on September 7.
A triumphant return. Damar Hamlin, safety for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL, is ready to return to the field less than seven months after suffering a cardiac arrest last January, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He made his first appearance with his teammates this Wednesday, on the first day of training camp for the 2023 season.
“We will go at his pace”
“Damar Hamlin will be fully operational in training camp and we support him 100%. We will go at his pace,” coach McDermott told the media on Wednesday ahead of practice. The safety had already been authorized to resume training on April 19, initially limited to weight training. “Physically, I’m starting from zero,” he said.
Damar Hamlin returned to team training this Wednesday, in preparation for the first NFL pre-season games, including the first Buffalo Bills game scheduled for August 12. His entry onto the field was warmly applauded by the club’s supporters, who had been warned and heated by McDermott.
“I have always defied the odds”
Damar Hamlin’s return to the Bills seemed unlikely a little less than seven months ago, when the Buffalo staff had to perform a nine-minute cardiac massage to revive the safety. After remaining in critical condition for several days, he regained consciousness and left the hospital on January 11.
“What I experienced changed my life, but it’s not the end of my story, I fully intend to play in the NFL again,” Hamlin said in April, after his first session training for more than three months. All my life, I have defied the odds and I intend to continue.”
Already present with the team in June
Just four months after his incident, several heart specialists had cleared him to return to American football and Hamlin had put in place a protocol with his club allowing him to return in time for the new season.
In June, Hamlin took the next step in his recovery by fully participating in training during OTA’s (Organized Team Activities), a three-day mini-physical training camp organized by the club where players volunteer . He is now preparing for his third season in the NFL, where he will play without restrictions.
A very positive sign for Bronny James, Lebron’s son, who suffered a cardiac arrest during training this Tuesday. He had also received the support of Damar Hamlin. “Prayers for Bronny and the James family. I’m here for you guys, as you have been with me throughout this whole process.”
