Yardbarker
x
Playing For Steelers Would Absolutely Be A Dream For Bills’ Damar Hamlin
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers hold an incredibly special place in the heart of Buffalo Bills' safety Damar Hamlin. Though he now plays in Buffalo, Hamlin’s football journey traces back to roughly eight years spent playing in what used to be known as Heinz Field before his NFL days. 

Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hamlin's journey in football began at Central Catholic High School, where he quickly garnered attention for his exceptional skills as a safety. His stellar performance on the field caught the eye of college recruiters, leading him to commit to the University of Pittsburgh to play for the Panthers.

During his college career at Pitt, Hamlin solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile defensive player. Renowned for his athleticism, football IQ, and hard-hitting style, he became a cornerstone of the Panthers' defense. Hamlin's leadership qualities also shined through, earning him respect from teammates and coaches alike. His contributions to the team were instrumental in their success, and he emerged as one of the top defensive players in the ACC. 

Playing For The Steelers Would Be A "Dream" For Damar Hamlin

On Saturday, Hamlin, a notable figure in the Pittsburgh sports world, attended a meet and greet event hosted by Billy Lesnak, the esteemed Owner of Steel City Collectibles, a renowned sports card store nestled in the heart of White Oak, Pennsylvania. The event served as a focal point for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike, drawing a diverse crowd eager to engage in discussions about their shared passion for sports memorabilia.

As Hamlin immersed himself in the lively atmosphere of the event, he found himself at the center of attention, with attendees eagerly seeking his insights and perspectives. Amidst the exchange of stories and anecdotes, one particularly intriguing question emerged from the crowd: the prospect of Hamlin becoming a member of the Steelers.

“I think ending my career, finishing, as a Pittsburgh Steeler would be a dream. I played at Pitt so you know I was in the stadium. I played at Heinz Field probably for like eight years straight between WPIAL championships and Pitt so a dream come true would be finishing my career as a Steeler.”

The inquiry sparked a wave of speculation and excitement among the attendees, as Hamlin entertained the notion with thoughtful consideration. His response, delivered with a blend of humility and ambition, offered a glimpse into the potential future that captured the imagination of those present.

Hamlin sent fear across the world when he collapsed on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals as he was hit with sudden cardiac arrest. The harrowing incident gripped the hearts of millions worldwide as they anxiously awaited news of Hamlin's condition, collectively holding onto hope for his recovery. 

He made a remarkable recovery, both in life and on the football field. Hamlin now is an incredible source of inspiration and motivation to the entire world. However, he doesn’t forget where he came from and he has expressed a lot of interest in one day suiting up and playing for the Steelers. 

During his days playing at Pitt, Hamlin earned a ton of accolades. In 2020, he was named to the All-ACC second team. He racked up 67 tackles, seven pass breakups three and a half tackles for a loss and two interceptions. Hamlin was also voted a team captain by his teammates for his impressive leadership on and off the field. 

Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Hamlin's character and work ethic have made him a beloved figure both within the Pitt football program and the broader Pittsburgh community. Hamlin's legacy as a skilled athlete and role model to his community continues to inspire aspiring football players everywhere.

Hamlin has expressed his desire to play for the Steelers, but it is unclear when or if that may happen. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. While the idea of Hamlin playing for the Steelers is just a dream right now. You never know what could happen in the NFL. Undoubtedly, Pittsburgh fans would be thrilled to welcome Hamlin back to the city. 

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.