The Buffalo Bills activated safety Damar Hamlin for the first time this season in Week 4 as they played the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo ultimately lost in decisive fashion, but Hamlin’s return to the field was a momentous occasion, one the team marked by putting a mic on the heart attack survivor.
The mic captured players and various personnel wishing the safety good luck and reflecting with him on how far he’s come since last December. It also captured the sounds of the game, including multiple hard hits Hamlin was involved in.
The former Pitt standout didn’t record stats in his first regular-season game back as the Bills fell 48-20.
Hamlin has been a backup safety for Buffalo this offseason, playing behind starter Micah Hyde. Last season, he posted 91 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble.
Through his first two seasons in the league, Hamlin has played in 29 games for Buffalo. He’s credited with 93 tackles and four passes defended while on the field.
Damar Hamlin’s comeback story nearing completion
Hamlin technically made his first on-field return in the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, playing 24 snaps and recording three tackles. He immediately made his presence known on the Colts’ second offensive drive, stuffing running back Evan Hull for no gain on a fourth-and-1 attempt for a turnover on downs.
“It was fun. It was super fun, it was a great experience, just another milestone and a step up to just getting back to myself as far as the football space,” Hamlin said after the game, via NFL.com. “Just chopping this tree down as much as I can, one step at a time.”
Hamlin said it felt a weight come off of his shoulders after making his first tackle of the game.
“I made the choice that I wanted to play, you know, it wasn’t nobody else’s choice but mine. So, making that choice, I know what comes with it,” Hamlin said. “So, you see my cleats laced up and my helmet and shoulder pads on there ain’t going to be no hesitation. Because you can’t play this game like that. You’ll put yourself at more risk by hesitating. I’m out there. I’m just not thinking twice… Just playing my game and kind of how I was taught to play since I was my little brother’s age.”
On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this report.
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