Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to make significant progress after suffering cardiac arrest against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2.
Hamlin, 24, was in good spirits during a recent Super Bowl Week appearance. He won the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award for his terrific work off the field.
It’s unclear if Hamlin can make an on-field return. However, NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer believes Hamlin will play football again.
‘I don’t want to get into HIPAA issues, but I guarantee you that Damar Hamlin will play professional football again,’ Mayer said on Sirius XM Doctor Radio show ‘Heart to Heart.’
After attempting a routine tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, Hamlin attempted to stand up before collapsing. He received medical care on the field before being taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Super Bowl Central: Super Bowl 57 odds, Eagles-Chiefs matchups, stats and more
The NFL community rallied around Hamlin in the following weeks. Teams honored him with special ‘Love for Damar’ T-shirts and by painting his No. 3 jersey number on the field during Week 18. Several fans also contributed to his Chasing M’s Foundation toy drive.
Hamlin was later transferred to a local medical center in Buffalo, New York. He was released Jan. 11 and made his first public appearance during the Bills’ AFC divisional round matchup against the Bengals.
In a post on social media, Hamlin expressed his gratitude for all the support. He has also teamed up with the American Heart Association to raise awareness for CPR training and education.
‘What happened to me on Monday Night Football was a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share my passion and my love directly from my heart with the entire world,’ Hamlin said in the message.
Hamlin was drafted by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft and became a full-time starter this season. In 29 career games, Hamlin has 93 career tackles, four passes defended and one forced fumble.
