Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, had a cardiac arrest on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17 of the 2022 regular season. Once Hamlin fell during the game, the NFL decided to call it off.
All of this occurred in the first quarter, and after he fell, CPR had to be given to keep him alive. He was immediately airlifted in serious condition to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Damar Hamlin's condition 'resembled commotio cordis', a syndrome that happens when a quick hard hit to the chest produces cardiac arrest, according to Miami-based cardiologist Dr. Bernard Ashby. Despite how physically demanding the NFL is, there are only approximately 30 occurrences of this in the country each year.
Since being discharged from the hospital, Hamlin has made many trips to the Bills' training complex to catch up with his colleagues. He is now capable of moving around. According to reports, he has been optimistic and positive in his outlook throughout his healing period.
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In recent times, Hamlin has been recognized for making a strong recovery. Also celebrated were the emergency personnel who arrived on the site on January 2 and the medical professionals who have cared for him ever since. The NFL player also showed up in the 2023 Super Bowl, where he received additional support.
In an effort to raise CPR awareness and training, Hamlin has also led the '3 For Heart CPR Challenge' initiative in collaboration with the American Heart Association.
Will Damar Hamlin play football in the 2023 NFL season?
The prospect of getting cleared to participate in an NFL game in the future has been discussed with doctors, according to Damar Hamlin. He added that:
"They can't really tell because it's like — it's an 'up to me' thing, I think, or it's a long road."
This week, Damar Hamlin travelled to Washington, DC, to promote the Access to AED Act, which would make defibrillators more accessible in school systems.
Hamlin stopped by the White House while on this trip and had a chat with President Joe Biden.
In a video that President Biden shared of their recent chat at the Oval Office, Hamlin was asked if he'll play again, to which the safety responded, "I think so. God willing."
Hamlin has already gone through a lot. The Bills support his efforts to play again, and he appears committed.
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