The Buffalo Bills announced on Tuesday that safety Damar Hamlin has been cleared to resume full football activities.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane made the announcement and indicated that three specialists have given the go-ahead for Hamlin to resume his football career.
Per GM Brandon Beane, Damar Hamlin has been cleared to resume full football activities.@HamlinIsland is in Buffalo and in a great headspace. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/wa2ZfGm8mX
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 18, 2023
The team made sure to note Hamlin’s official return on social media.
Damar Hamlin is working out with the team today in Buffalo.
Glad to have you back, 3. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/n80HheSIaG
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 18, 2023
Prior to the Bills’ scheduled game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2 of last season, Hamlin was a somewhat unknown defensive back. That visibility instantly changed early in the game when Hamlin collapsed on the field and needed life-saving treatment.
With Hamlin’s life hanging in the balance for days, his health struggle drew the attention of the NFL, fans across the country and even individuals with little interest in football. Evidence of that concern was seen by the infusion of millions of dollars into Hamlin’s charitable foundation.
Thanks to his immediate medical treatment, prime physical condition and the continuing care he received in a Cincinnati hospital, Hamlin was able to make a remarkable recovery.
Just 20 days after his near-tragedy, Hamlin was able to watch the Bills in their playoff game against the Bengals in Buffalo. However, he was no doubt disappointed when the Bills fell by a score of 27-10.
Hamlin was in Washington, D.C. late last month to advocate for increased funding for automated external defibrillators (AED) in schools. While there, he visited the White House and met with President Joe Biden.
Damar Hamlin’s courage, resilience, and spirit inspired the American people.
And what's more: he turned recovery into action – and our country is better for it.
It was my honor to have him and his family here today. pic.twitter.com/xju70wnAzl
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 30, 2023
At the time of his injury, the 25-year-old Hamlin was only in his second NFL season and had started for the Bills in 13 of the 15 games he played in during the 2022 campaign. In those games, he had 63 solo tackles, six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
The University of Pittsburgh product was selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and is now in the third year of a four-year deal.
Regardless of how the remainder of Hamlin’s career takes shape, his comeback will certainly serve as an inspiration to the rest of the world and leave an indelible mark on the game.
