Key facts
- Damar Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest in January 2023 while playing for the Buffalo Bills.
- Hamlin states that losing friends to gun violence and his father's incarceration were greater adversities.
- He returned to the NFL in October 2023 after recovering from the cardiac event.
- Hamlin now prioritizes his health, longevity, and legacy.
- He is involved in the Qunol's Champions at Heart Campaign.
Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin has spoken about his experience of going into cardiac arrest on the field in January 2023. He described the event, which was later diagnosed as Commotio cordis, as less stressful than other adversities he has faced, including losing friends to gun violence and his father's incarceration. Hamlin detailed how these past challenges prepared him for significant setbacks. Following his recovery, which included extensive physical therapy, he returned to the NFL in October 2023. Hamlin now emphasizes a focus on health, longevity, and legacy, using his experiences to improve himself and align with initiatives like the Champions at Heart Campaign. He credits his mother's resilience and work ethic as a key inspiration, noting he was recently able to build his parents their dream home.