Damar Hamlin Cleared to Resume NFL Career
By V-Ry the Sports Guy, picture courtesy of the NFL
Defying the Odds
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been cleared to resume his NFL career after suffering cardiac arrest during a game January 2, 2023 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin has been a full participant in voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) this offseason. The young defender played admirably in Micah Hyde’s absence last season, but will return to a reserve role for the 2023-2024 campaign.
On Field Collapse
The cause of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest was a rare condition called commotio cordis in which cardiac rythm is interrupted due to a blow to the chest during a very short but specific time interval. The condition is almost always fatal if not treated within a few minutes. Hamlin acknowledged his brush with death during a press conference stating “I died on national TV in front of the whole world.”
The Player
Damar Hamlin was selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 draft out of Pittsburgh. The Pennsylvania product had a successful college career and was a steal for the Bills at 212 overall, as I had a high fifth round grade on him. Hamlin was a talented yet raw prospect, but has developed into an above average NFL safety.
