Damar Hamlin was in a nostalgic mood when the Buffalo Bills safety made an appearance in Steelers land. Pittsburgh also happens to be his hometown.
A fan, who attended a packed Steel City Collectibles signing event, asked Hamlin if he’d ever wanted to play for the Steelers. That’s a yes.
“I think ending my career, finishing, as a Pittsburgh Steeler would be a dream more so than playing there (at the beginning his pro career) because I played at Pitt,” Hamlin said. “So… I played at Heinz Field probably like eight years straight (between) WPIAL championships and then Pitt, so a dream come true would be finishing my career as a Steeler.”
Meanwhile, a poll of Pittsburgh Tribune Review readers revealed that 31 percent would welcome Hamlin so long as it was the right fit, with 29 percent saying they’d absolutely love him in a Steelers uniform.
Hamlin grew up seven miles from Steelers headquarters. He attended Central Catholic High School and starred for their football team. He led the defense the year the team won the Class AAAA Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League championship. Hamlin stuck close to home and signed with the Pitt Panthers. He and Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett were Panthers co-captains there.
Back in August during a preseason game at Acrisure Stadium, Hamlin and Pickett met before and after the contest. The two hugged at midfield before the pre-game coin toss. Then after the game, Pickett asked Hamlin for a jersey swap. Hamlin also wanted to give a jersey to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. After all, the Steelers always were a special team for Hamlin.
Hamlin has a special place in the hearts of Steelers and NFL fans, alike. They all cheered for his recovery after Hamlin suffered a near fatal heart incident on Jan. 2, 2023. His heart stopped and he collapsed on the field moments after making a tackle. But after several days in ICU, he was able to breathe on his own. Every step of his recovery seemed like a miracle.
He recovered enough to play this season, albeit not as a starter. He appeared in five games, but was inactive for the rest. His primary role was special teams.
Hamlin does play safety, which is a position of need for the Steelers. He has one year remaining on his contract with the Bills.
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