There hopefully will never be a story in the NFL again like Damar Hamlin. But it’s an exceptional one that deserves to be recognized, even 20 months after that frightening night in 2023.
Hamlin completed one of the most remarkable comebacks that the NFL world has ever seen during the 2023 NFL season when he returned to the Bills despite suffering an on-field cardiac arrest against the Bengals in January. Despite his collapse and subsequent hospital stay, he has been able to make a recovery that doctors called “remarkable.”
He got back onto the field last year, seeing limited action for Buffalo throughout the 2023 season. However, he now not only is making more of an impact, but he begins the 2024 season as one of the starting safeties for the Bills — something that seemed impossible less than two years ago.
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Here is what to know about Hamlin’s sensational comeback and recovery from the cardiac arrest.
Damar Hamlin comeback timeline
On Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins during the Week 17 “Monday Night Football” game between Buffalo and Cincinnati.
Hamlin initially got to his feet before collapsing to the ground. Bills medical staffers quickly attended to the safety on the field, and a stretcher and ambulance came out to treat him. He received CPR from members of the training staffs.
Hamlin was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center, while the game was suspended and later postponed. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Hamlin was in “critical condition” during his postponement announcement.
With the game over, members of the Bills organization went to visit Hamlin in the hospital the same night.
Late in the evening, the Bills officially announced that Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field, but his heart was restored. He was in the intensive care unit at the hospital and listed in critical condition.
Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
The Hamlin family released a statement the next day via Hamlin’s marketing rep and family friend Jordon Rooney, thanking the first responders and those across the country offering love and support. They did not immediately provide an update on Hamlin’s condition.
On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.
We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.
Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.
Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them.
Hamlin’s condition improved in the days following the incident. He had opened his eyes by Thursday night, three days after the incident. Dr. Timothy Pritts from the UC College of Medicine said that the medical personnel reached a “turning point” and that Hamlin showed “substantial improvement.”
pic.twitter.com/4Fyd2JZVLb
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 5, 2023
Damar Hamlin has been gripping the hands of those close to him. Another very positive sign. https://t.co/GpabbnqTWm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2023
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On Friday, Jan. 6, the Bills reported that Hamlin’s breathing tube was removed overnight. He was talking to his family and “progressing remarkably in his recovery.”
Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery.
His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023
Additionally, the Bills reported that Hamlin was able to FaceTime into one of the Bills’ meetings ahead of their game against the Patriots.
Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches.
What he said to the team: “Love you boys.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8dorrWNaxt
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023
Hamlin posted an Instagram message on Jan. 7, thanking everyone for the support and love he received while he was in the hospital, and he posted on X, formerly Twitter, the next day.
GameDay.. Nothing I Want More Than To Be Running Out That Tunnel With My Brothers. God Using Me In A Different Way Today. Tell Someone You Love Them Today! 🫶🏾3️⃣ let’s go @BuffaloBills ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/XgA7S3Bpvn
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) January 8, 2023
GAMETIME!!! @BuffaloBills 💙 pic.twitter.com/PQYClonUHb
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) January 8, 2023
After a week at UC Medical Center, Hamlin was released and transferred to Buffalo General Medical Center. Two days later, he was released from the hospital after a “comprehensive medical evaluation.”
An amazing update. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/Do1P1nKQWI
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2023
Hamlin eventually re-joined the team in the locker room ahead of the resumed game against the Bengals, which occurred on Jan. 22. He received a resounding ovation from the fans at Highmark Stadium.
It’s all love for Damar Hamlin. pic.twitter.com/BbsqzFOkGV
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) January 22, 2023
After a summer of recovery, Hamlin got back onto the practice field during the 2023 training camp and preseason. On August 12, 2023, Hamlin played his first NFL snap since his cardiac arrest, suiting up for the Bills’ preseason opener against the Raiders
He made the team’s 53-man roster, getting his first snaps in a regular season game during Week 4 against the Dolphins. However, he was inactive for most of the 2023 NFL season, due to a loaded safety room in Buffalo that consisted of Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Taylor Rapp and Cam Lewis. As a result, Hamlin played in just five games.
With Hamlin back to full health, he now has a pathway to getting starting reps for Buffalo in the 2024 season, thanks to the departures of Poyer and Hyde. Hamlin entered the 2024 season as a starter for the Bills along with Rapp in the Buffalo secondary. His start in Week 1 against the Cardinals marked his first start since the cardiac arrest.
