Damar Hamlin Listed as Bills Starter for the First Time Since Cardiac Arrest Incident

A miraculous update in the world of defensive back Damar Hamlin: He has been officially named a starter by Head Coach Sean McDermott for the upcoming Week One game against the Arizona Cardinals. This marks Hamlin’s first start since he suffered cardiac arrest and was carted off the field on January 2, 2023, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin appeared in only five games last season as a reserve.

Hamlin was listed as one of the starting safeties on the depth chart, sparking questions from the media. Coach McDermott praised Hamlin’s work ethic and progress, telling reporters:

“What else can’t this young man do? He basically went through what he went through on that field—you guys have written about that over and over—and to come back from that,” McDermott said this morning. “It’s one thing to come back from an ACL or a broken bone. It’s another thing to come back from what he came back from, right? Let alone just to decide to play football, contact football, in full pads at the NFL level.”

Coach McDermott is right: The courage Hamlin has displayed by stepping back on the field after such a catastrophic event— not only to become a formidable player again but also to be named the starting safety—speaks volumes about his will and drive. That kind of determination isn’t just something you can learn; it has to be within you.

“I don’t think I need to say anything more. It’s incredible. I think God’s hands have been on Damar and his family and will continue to be. We’re just extremely proud and full of gratitude to watch him go through what he’s gone through and see where he is now,” McDermott added.

Everyone has a unique journey through life, especially within sports, and Hamlin’s comeback story is one for the ages. How he capitalizes on this opportunity could be a key reason the Buffalo Bills make it to the AFC Championship.