Damar Hamlin Returns to Padded Practice: A Remarkable Journey of Resilience and Faith
By Alaina Getzenberg, ESPN
Jul 31, 2023, 04:38 PM ET
PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Damar Hamlin, a player for the Buffalo Bills, took to the field for the first padded practice since suffering cardiac arrest on Monday Night Football in January. This marked a significant milestone in Hamlin’s journey of recovery and resilience.
Hamlin’s return to the field was filled with emotional moments. From warming up with his family watching from the sidelines to making his first contact with a receiver, every little moment became remarkable. In his first news conference since April, Hamlin expressed his gratitude and described the experience as “amazing.”
The 25-year-old athlete, who has been a full participant in Bills practices since OTAs in June, had previously shared that he suffered from commotio cordis, a rare consequence of blunt force trauma to the heart. Despite the severity of his condition, Hamlin was cleared by multiple heart specialists to return to the field.
As Hamlin ran onto the practice field with his helmet strapped on, he displayed no hesitation. He emphasized the importance of not letting fear hold him back and credited his faith for giving him strength. While he admitted to occasional moments of fear, his unwavering faith and support from his family, teammates, and fans kept him going.
The Bills organization has been supportive of Hamlin’s recovery journey, allowing him to progress at his own pace. Hamlin follows a daily devotional routine and receives guidance from Bills sports psychologist Dr. Desaree Festa. The team understands that his well-being extends beyond football and prioritizes his overall health and comfort.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs expressed admiration for Hamlin’s resilience and emphasized that witnessing his everyday life is more important than his return to football. Fans attending training camp practice consistently cheer for Hamlin, showing their investment in his journey.
Hamlin acknowledged the uniqueness of his situation and the public interest it has garnered. He expressed a desire to go through the recovery process privately but recognized the power in sharing his journey with the world. Giving back to the community has also been an integral part of Hamlin’s summer, as he organized a CPR Tour in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati, providing CPR training and distributing AEDs to youth sports teams.
While there are still challenges ahead, Hamlin remains optimistic. Head athletic trainer Nate Breske reminded him of the positive impact he can make by overcoming such a significant obstacle. Breske highlighted the opportunity for Hamlin to inspire others and stand for something greater than himself.
Hamlin’s journey serves as a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of overcoming adversity. His return to padded practice is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration to athletes and individuals facing their own challenges. As Hamlin continues on his path, he plans to make a difference and leave a lasting impact on and off the field.
In conclusion, Damar Hamlin’s return to padded practice after suffering cardiac arrest is a remarkable story of resilience and faith. His journey serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike, reminding us of the power of determination and the importance of never giving up. As Hamlin continues to progress, he aims to make a difference in the lives of others and leave a lasting legacy both on and off the football field.