NFL safety Damar Hamlin spoke about his near-death experience collapsing on the field in early 2023.
Hamlin was struck in the chest while tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals and collapsed on the field in cardiac arrest.
After a few days in the hospital, his breathing tube was removed and he began speaking with his family. Three months later, he was cleared to play again, eventually playing five games for the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 season.
“My mind is free. My spirit is free. My soul is free,” Hamlin said, finally opening up about the incident. “I can think clearly and I’m not hindered by thoughts of what might happen.”
The defensive player’s official diagnosis was cardiac arrest due to concussion, a condition that causes cardiac arrest due to a direct blow to a specific spot on the beating heart.
Hamlin has been assured by experts that the horrific incident is unlikely to happen again, and he admits he is trying to push all worries to the back of his mind.
“Time heals everything — relationships, life, growing from a cardiac arrest,” Hamlin said. Associated Press“It’s traumatic. If you allow it, it’s all time to heal.”
“I want to grow up and let go of the past,” Hamlin added.
The staff said the young player returned with a “hungry mentality,” and general manager Brandon Beane said Hamlin was focused on earning a spot on the team and proving he can play.
Coach Sean McDermott said the safeties have also been practicing at a consistently high level.
“It’s fun to see him having fun on the court,” the coach said, “and you can tell he means it.”
Hamlin has had to endure numerous rumors about his health during his time off, including vaccine injuries, and he was also criticized for the way he dressed during his Super Bowl appearance.
“Someone was talking about letting go of what’s going to happen,” Hamlin added. “That’s been a big part of my mental process moving forward into this season.”
The 26-year-old is now pushing state legislation to require external defibrillators in schools and entertainment venues, including Ohio, which recently passed a similar bill.
“I’m on a mission to get this bill passed in all 50 states and I’m not going to stop until I do that,” Hamlin concluded. “Just like I pursue goals on the field, I pursue goals off the field and always prioritize the blessing that there is still life, the blessing that I am still here.”
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