On Aug. 12, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin experienced another milestone in his return to the sport he loves. The 25-year-old athlete played in his first football game since experiencing cardiac arrest on the field in January.
During a preseason victory against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, Hamlin recorded three solo tackles. Afterward, he told reporters that playing football again was “super fun” and he was “feeling everything all at once.” Hamlin emphasized that he chose to return to the field and is playing with no hesitation, which would put him at risk.
Damar Hamlin on Putting ‘Faith Over Fear’
Throughout Bills training camp this summer, Hamlin has been outspoken about trusting in God and finding his strength in God. After practice on Aug. 1, the safety told reporters, “My strength is rooted in my faith, and my faith is stronger than any fear. That’s what I want to preach up here, and that’s the message I want to spread on to the world, that as long as your faith is stronger than your fear, you can get through anything. That’s what I’m living by right now.”
Hamlin added that he’s trusting God’s timing as he seeks to resume his pro career. The Bills will make final roster cuts on Aug. 29.
Reflecting on his journey this year, Hamlin said, “To be able to be a chosen one and to be able to be the one to overcome something so big, it’s a blessed space and it’s a bunch of opportunity in there as well if you choose to look at it that way.” Since January, Hamlin has been promoting his charity as well as the importance of CPR training.
The athlete has also been vocal about the importance of his Christian faith. In a July 26 Instagram post, Hamlin wrote a “letter” to God, using the hashtag #3IsBack. It read, in part, “Cover me in all these moments God. Every breath I take is filled with your strength and your guidance. It’s not easy, but I know it will all be worth it 1 day at a time. I know you got my back.”
View this post on Instagram
Bills Coach Praises the Faith of Damar Hamlin
Saturday’s home crowd warmly welcomed Damar Hamlin back to the field, and several people wanted his jersey after the game. But he gave it to his mother, Nina, calling her “my backbone my entire life.”
