Watch: Damar Hamlin greeted by Bills Mafia
On January 2, 2023, the NFL world held its collective breath after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on "Monday Night Football."
Less than seven months later, Hamlin took the field at Bills training camp and received a passionate reception from the members of Bills Mafia on hand.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced Hamlin won't be held back in training camp, the latest achievement in his recovery since his heart stopped and he lost consciousness after making a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"Damar Hamlin will be a full go at training camp and we're behind him 100 percent," McDermott said, per the Bills Twitter account. "We'll go at his cadence."
He was given CPR on the field then transferred to the ICU at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and stayed in the hospital until Jan. 11.
The incident transcended team loyalties, with numerous teams and players sending their support to Hamlin (and documented by the Bills).
The Bills training staff was also honored for their heroic efforts that day with the Pat Tillman Service Award at this year's ESPYs.
In his first season as a full-time starter in the NFL, the 24-year-old from Pittsburgh recorded 91 tackles (including 1.5 sacks) and defended two passes.
If Hamlin is able to suit up and play at a similar or better level, he'll be the favorite to win the AP Comeback Player of the Year award following the season.
Buffalo begins its 2023-24 campaign with a clash on Sept. 11 against AFC East rival New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers on "Monday Night Football."
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