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.
DAMAR HAMLIN PICKS OFF LAWRENCE.
— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2024
: #JAXvsBUF on ESPN
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/cSxknIWzDB
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.
Josh Allen's third TD of the half goes to Khalil Shakir!
— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2024
: #JAXvsBUF on ESPN
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/WBKrIKEikV
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.
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