Damar Hamlin and the 13-3 Buffalo Bills are entering this month’s NFL playoffs as Super Bowl contenders, but the 26-year-old safety had a much better reason to celebrate on Thursday.
Now two years removed from the on-field cardiac arrest that nearly took his life, Hamlin reflected on his journey on social media, where he once again received an outpouring of support.
‘I wish that everyone was able to experience just an ounce of the amount of love I received,’ Hamlin wrote on Instagram.
‘The Grace that god displayed.. his Mercy & his Faithfulness!! I appreciate every ounce of support, still tryna get back to everybody who checked in. Also enjoying the presence of the ones who was there for me most! 2 years later still showing I’m here for a real reason.
Hamlin famously collapsed on the turf in Cincinnati after a hit on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins two years ago, leading emergency responders to restart his heart on the field before rushing him to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery.
Doctors ultimately determined that Hamlin fell victim to commotio cordis – a rare condition in which cardiac rhythm is disrupted by a blow to the chest.
These days, Damar Hamlin is back on the field as a starter for the playoff-bound Buffalo Bills
Hamlin collapsed on the turf in Cincinnati after a hit on Bengals star Tee Higgins two years ago
Hamlin is seen with family members after the emergency surgery that saved his life in 2023
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Since then, Hamlin has helped raise awareness about the importance of emergency medical treatment and even helped to inspire a congressional bill that will defibrillators in schools and improve access to CPR training.
The bill has since been signed into law by President Joe Biden.
He’s also returned to the field, where he’s blossomed since moving back into the starting lineup this season.
‘growing & not only getting back to me but elevating the whole system!!’ Hamlin wrote on Instagram.
‘It’s like I don’t even wanna be talking about it cause I get so emotional & it’s so close to home & I always been a private person but I know God didn’t want it any other way!
‘Life’s a gift make sure you cherishing every second showing love to the people you love & who love you. Never know when it can be that time & that’s real!’
The Buffalo Bills players pray for teammate Damar Hamlin after he collapsed in 2023
Buffalo Bills fans cheer and hold a sign in support of safety Damar Hamlin (not pictured) before a NFL wild card game against the Miami Dolphins in January of 2023
People pray during a prayer vigil for Hamlin outside of University of Cincinnati Medical Center
One of many murals that popped up showing Hamlin making a ‘heart’ sign with his hands
Damar Hamlin helped to inspire a bill that has provided public CPR equipment and training
Hamlin walks on the sideline before Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Arizona
Hamlin admitted months after the frightening episode that his heart was actually stopped as he lay on the turf in Cincinnati.
‘I died on national TV in front of the world,’ Hamlin said in April of 2023. ‘It’s [commotio cordis] a direct blow at a specific point in your heartbeat that causes cardiac arrest.
‘Five to seven seconds later, you fall out and that’s pretty much what everyone was seeing January 2 of this year.’
The game was suspended and ultimately it was not resumed.
In addition to his return to the field, Hamlin has also become a philanthropist, raising $9.1 million for a community toy drive and another $1 million for another non-profit, according to Pro Football Talk.
He’s also launched his own foundation while working with the American Heart ᴀssociation on a campaign to spread CPR training awareness.
