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Watch: Damar Hamlin records first career interception on 'MNF'
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) returns an interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Watch: Bills' Damar Hamlin records first career interception on 'MNF'

Bills safety Damar Hamlin's first interception couldn't have been more perfect.

Nearly two years after going into cardiac arrest on the field during a "Monday Night Football" game between the Bengals and Bills, Hamlin picked off Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as part of a first-half demolition.

Buffalo led 34-3 at the half. The Bills offense scored touchdowns on all five of their first-half possessions.

Hamlin intercepted Lawrence with Buffalo up 20-3. The Jags quarterback's pass out of play-action sailed over rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.'s head and fell in Hamlin's arms.

Five plays later, Bills quarterback Josh Allen connected with wideout Khalil Shakir for a 27-yard score to extend Buffalo's lead.

Hamlin's triumphant interception is a full-circle moment for the defensive back in his fourth NFL season. During Week 17 of the 2022 season, he went into cardiac arrest in the first quarter of a Bills-Bengals "Monday Night Football" game.

First responders revived Hamlin on the field and the game was canceled. Hamlin recovered fully and played five games in 2023, primarily on special teams.

He's started Buffalo's first three games this season. Per Pro Football Focus data, he's played 96 percent of his available defensive snaps, becoming a significant contributor to the unit.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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