Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been given the green light to return to football after experiencing a cardiac arrest in January, attributed to commotio cordis. This incident occurred during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals when Hamlin collapsed after a tackle in the first quarter on January 2.
Commotio cordis is a condition that arises when a severe impact to the chest disrupts the heart's electrical activity, leading to dangerous fibrillations.
In his first media appearance since the incident, Hamlin reflected, "I essentially died on live TV. I've lost many people in my life, and I understand that pain. The greatest blessing is still being here with my loved ones."
At 25, Hamlin has been participating in voluntary offseason workouts at the Bills' training facility in Orchard Park, New York. Bills General Manager Brandon Beane confirmed Hamlin's full clearance, stating, "He’s here."
Hamlin expressed gratitude for the medical team that treated him, saying they cared for him as if he were their own child. He remains passionate about football and is eager to return to the NFL, emphasizing that overcoming fear is a choice. "You might feel anxious, but you keep moving forward," he said.
Beane noted that Hamlin consulted three specialists during the offseason, all of whom agreed he could resume full activities like any other player recovering from an injury. "He’s in a great mental space to return," Beane added.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott shared the team's excitement about Hamlin's return, stating, "We’re thrilled for Damar. He’s progressing step by step and has been cleared physically. We’ll support him mentally and emotionally as well."
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology suggest that athletes who have recovered from commotio cordis can return to sports if no underlying heart issues are found. Hamlin likely underwent extensive testing, including electrocardiograms and echocardiograms, before receiving medical clearance.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta explained that Hamlin's heart function has returned to normal, with no structural or electrical issues detected, which was confirmed through numerous tests over the past few months.