Damar Hamlin returns to the field in pads 210 days after traumatic injury
The Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, is back in pads for the first time in 210 days. If, for some reason, you have no idea who Damar Hamlin is or what happened to him, we'll give you a quick recap. Hamlin, during a Monday Night Football contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, attempted to make a […]
The Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, is back in pads for the first time in 210 days.
If, for some reason, you have no idea who Damar Hamlin is or what happened to him, we'll give you a quick recap. Hamlin, during a Monday Night Football contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, attempted to make a tackle, got up, and then collapsed on the field.
What happened immediately after was one of the scariest moments in NFL history. Hamlin had suffered a reported cardiac arrest and nearly died. It was the quick thinking of assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington who immediately started administering life-saving CPR.
Kellington, along with the other first responders, were able to help save Hamlin's life. From then, it's been a whirlwind. Hamlin wound up getting healthy enough to attend a Bills playoff game, once his strength returned he began his rehabilitation to return to the league.
Outside of rehabbing, Hamlin has been traveling the country with his Chasing M's foundation to discuss the importance of CPR training. Aside from that, Hamlin went to the capitol to advocate for AEDs and other life-saving devices to be put in schools. More recently, Hamlin was able to award the Bills training staff at the ESPYs after being given a full go by his doctors to play football again.
Now, after 210 days, constant battles, and nearly dying, Hamlin is back in pads once again and it is truly one of the most emotional moments I can remember. Hamlin, taking it all in, looked up with his arms outstretched. After nearly a year of battling and fighting death, he has won, and he is back.
For others across the league, it's just putting on some pads and getting to work. But for Hamlin and his journey, this is truly a miracle.
His Cinderella story continues, and we can't wait to see what else is to come for the rest of his journey. Hamlin strong, always.
Damar Hamlin presents the Buffalo Bills training staff with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPYs
Damar Hamlin brings the house down with unforgettable ESPYS moment
Featured image via Twitter @Matt_Bove
