Damar Hamlin has admitted he’s not sure how he’ll feel when he returns to the scene of his Jan. 2 cardiac arrest this weekend, but stressed he knows he has support from his family and teammates becomes.
Ten months after the horrific incident that saw the Buffalo Bills’ on-field security revived at Paycor Stadium after they collapsed during their Week 17 game, the 25-year-old will return to the Bengals’ stadium on Sunday.
“I don’t know what to expect. “You know, this is unique to me too,” Hamlin told the New York Post. “All I know is that I’m going in with courage, I’m going in with strength and I’m going in with my brothers.” You know, and I’m going in with my mom, my dad and my family. And I’m entering, you know, an environment of people who have supported me the whole time.
“They continue to support me from both sides. So, you know, it’s a lot of love. I can’t wait to receive it and give it and show my gratitude, you know, but ultimately we’re going there to get a win.”
Hamlin officially returned to the field on Oct. 1 but has been frequently inactive this season and admitted he is unsure whether he will play in Sunday’s Week 9 clash.
Damar Hamlin insisted he would return to Cincinnati “boldly” for this week’s game
Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after being hit by Tee Higgins on Jan. 2 in Cincinnati
Following his miraculous recovery, the 25-year-old officially returned to the field on October 1st
He has undeniably made a miraculous recovery and claims his return to football has given him a new outlook on life.
“Man, I’m grateful for life.” Honestly, I’m grateful to wake up, brush my teeth, and eat something. Take 10 deep breaths. “I’m grateful for everything,” Hamlin said.
“Life is more than just a ball to me and always will be until I leave, but to be able to do what I do at the highest level I am especially grateful, you know.”
“I’m super grateful to have my normal life back. But I’m extremely grateful that I can continue to compete at the highest level and do what I love.”
Hamlin admitted that Sunday will be emotional not only for him but for his teammates as well, revealing that they had spoken about how it might feel for all of them.
Bills players had gathered around Hamlin as he received treatment on the field in January under the direction of Buffalo coach Denny Kellington, some with tears in their eyes.
Hamlin publicly offered his support to NBA superstar LeBron James and his family after the Lakers forward’s eldest son Bronny was diagnosed with heart disease during USC’s summer practice.
The Bills player has also used his own experience to launch heart health awareness initiatives, including his Chasing M’s Foundation CPR tour over the summer, which offered free hands-only CPR training.
Buffalo Bills coach Denny Kellington administered CPR to Hamlin on the field on January 2nd
Hamlin admitted Sunday will be emotional for both his Bills teammates and him
The American Heart Association collaborated with Hamlin and his #3forHeart CPR Challenge, a social media initiative that encourages people to learn CPR, donate money to support CPR research, education and training, and share the message with others to share.
He met with President Joe Biden at the White House in March to discuss legislation to expand AED programs in schools.
Most recently, he worked with healthcare company and medical device manufacturer Abbott on the HeartMates program, which aims to create a community for those affected by heart disease and their caregivers.
Meanwhile, the NFL and the American Heart Association have teamed up to offer free CPR training ahead of the Super Bowl in February at the Phoenix Convention Center, Arizona.
Both the Cardinals and Packers donated defibrillators to local schools after Hamlin’s collapse.
Hamlin said carrying out these initiatives in his honor gives him more strength and courage to continue his road to recovery and continue his campaign.