Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been given the green light to return to football after experiencing a cardiac arrest during a game in January, which he attributed to commotio cordis. This condition arises when a severe impact to the chest disrupts the heart's electrical rhythm, leading to dangerous fibrillations. Hamlin collapsed after a tackle during the Bills' match against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2.
Reflecting on the incident, Hamlin remarked, "I essentially died on national television. I've lost many people in my life, and I know others who have experienced similar losses. The greatest blessing is still having my loved ones and them having me."
The 25-year-old has been actively participating in voluntary offseason workouts at the Bills' practice facility in Orchard Park, New York, this week. "He is fully cleared," confirmed Bills General Manager Brandon Beane. "He's here."
Hamlin expressed gratitude for the exceptional medical care he received, likening it to the care one would give their own children. He announced his intention to return to the NFL, stating that his passion for the game remains strong. "I want to show people that fear is a choice. You can pursue something without knowing all the answers or what lies ahead," he said. "Even if you feel anxious, just keep moving forward."
Beane noted that Hamlin consulted with three different specialists during the offseason, all of whom agreed he could resume full activities. "He's in a great mindset to come back," Beane added.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed the team's enthusiasm about Hamlin's return. "We're thrilled for Damar. He's progressing step by step and has been cleared physically," McDermott said. "We'll support him mentally, physically, and spiritually, and we're taking it one day at a time."
According to guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, athletes who have recovered from commotio cordis can return to sports if no underlying heart issues are found. Hamlin likely underwent extensive testing, such as electrocardiograms and echocardiograms, before being cleared to train again.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta explained that Hamlin's clearance indicates his heart function has returned to normal, with no structural or electrical issues. "They determined this through numerous tests over the past three and a half months," Gupta noted.