Damar Hamlin's 'Incredible' NFL Return Has Fans In Awe

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is taking the field for the first time today since he suffered cardiac arrest on the field in January.

With his season debut, fans of all NFL teams are rallying around the 25-year-old.

On January 2, 2023, 25-year-old NFL player Damar Hamlin collapsed in the middle of the field during the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving players and fans concerned.

Hamlin was down on the field for several minutes as medical personnel rushed onto the area as Hamlin's heart stopped. Medical personnel gave him CPR for 9 minutes. After reviving him, Hamlin was loaded into an ambulance and taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

The Buffalo Bills safety was then treated at the hospital and made a full recovery.

The NFL player himself announced he would return to the sport after he was cleared by medical personnel earlier this year, saying, “This event was life-changing, but it’s not the end of my story. I’m here to announce that I plan on returning to the NFL.”

The Buffalo Bills safety officially played his first game during pre-season, since the scary incident earlier this year, gaining the respect from fans and fellow players everywhere. The Bills safety recorded three solo tackles in the pre-season game and helped the Bills earn a 23-19 victory against the Indianapolis Colts.

“When you step in between them lines, you’re putting yourself at risk by hesitating and by reserving yourself,” Hamlin told reporters after the game, per CBS Sports. “I made the choice that I wanted to play. It wasn’t nobody else’s choice but mine. So making that choice, I know what comes with it.”

Despite playing in pre-season, Hamlin has been absent from the regular season as he was ruled inactive for the first three weeks. Today, that all changes as the Buffalo Bills Safety is starting for the team, making his regular season debut -- and fans are rallying around his "incredible" return.

"#Bills DAMAR HAMLIN will play today for the first time, since he suffered cardiac arrest during a football game 9 months ago! JUST INCREDIBLE!!! Wow 🫶❤️💯," one fan Tweeted.

https://twitter.com/49ersSportsTalk/status/1708469806683295896

NFL reporter Ian Rappoport also spoke out about Hamlin's triumphant return, Tweeting "From @NFLGameDay: The heartwarming story continues, as #Bills S Damar Hamlin makes his season debut."

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1708478295686181285

FOX Sports analyst Henry McKenna also spoke out, expressing "#Bills safety Damar Hamlin will dress for a game for the first time since his cardiac arrest. It’s a tremendous accomplishment."

https://twitter.com/henrycmckenna/status/1708485786721501218

While one Miami Dolphins fan wrote, "First and foremost, I am 🙏 that all NFL players stay healthy throughout the game. Shout out to returning #Bills player #DamarHamlin. Having said that @MiamiDolphins pound #Buffalo. #FinsUp."

https://twitter.com/TheWubster/status/1708485410396017110

While one fan wrote, "Damar Hamlin makes his return today for the Bills too. Could get a little emotional. I hope the Fins take a moment to honor him. They’re usually great with those type of things."

https://twitter.com/dirtyjersey701/status/1708493942855999790

As one X user expressed, "Bills' Damar Hamlin will be active today. His comeback journey is bigger than football".

https://twitter.com/RonBohning/status/1708490984202641413

The Buffalo Bills are playing the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium in New York.