NFL: Bills safety Damar Hamlin returns to training just 106 days after cardiac arrest on national TV

Damar Hamlin has returned to working out with the Buffalo Bills just 106 days after his cardiac arrest on national TV, as the safety underwent strength and conditioning training following a unanimous decision for him ‘to resume football activities’. 

The 25-year-old was all smiles on Tuesday, per footage from the Bills’ official Twitter account, as he was seen going through some light footwork exercises along some of his teammates before bouncing a medicine ball off the synthetic field of Buffalo’s ADPRO Sports Training Center. 

Hamlin, who wore a short-sleeve, Bills blue training jacket, seemed to be having fun in what was his first involvement with the team in four months.

At one point, he even pulled his tongue out in front of several Bills trainers, who were visibly closely monitoring the 2021 sixth-round draft pick. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Hamlin announced his intention to return to league action while also revealing the cause of his on-field collapse: commotio cordis.

Damar Hamlin, 25, was all smile upon his return to Bills training for the first time in four months

The safety underwent conditioning training with a ball on Tuesday at Buffalo’s training facility 

Working out along with Bills teammates, Hamlin was closely monitored by several trainers

‘This was a life-changing event, but it’s not the end of my story,’ Hamlin said. ‘I plan on making a comeback to the NFL.’ 

Addressing reporters for the first time since his heart stopped beating and having to be resuscitated at Paycor Stadium – home of the Bengals – back in January, Hamlin reflected on the anxious moments he’s endured, his inner drive to not let fear stand in his way and how he no longer takes a minute of his life for granted.

‘The ”wow” moment is every day just being able to wake up and just take deep breaths and live a peaceful life, to have a family and people that are around me that love me,’ the former Pittsburgh man said.

‘They almost lost me. Like I died on national TV, you know what I mean?’ he added. ‘So that right there is the biggest blessing of it all, for me to still have my people, and my people still have me.’ 

Bills general manager Brandon Beane announced earlier on Tuesday that Hamlin was medically cleared to return to playing football after a third and final consultation with a specialist on Friday. 

All three agreed Hamlin could resume playing without any fear of setbacks or complications. While the Bills had their head athletic trainer sit in on those meetings, Beane said the team is following the lead of the specialists.

‘He’s such a great kid and has such a great family, and it’s exciting to go from a guy who was fighting for his life to now,’ Beane said. ‘His story hasn’t been written. Now it’s about his comeback.’

Hamlin said the specialists agreed his heart stopped as a result of commotio cordis, which is a direct blow at a specific point in a heartbeat that causes cardiac arrest.

Hamlin’s return to training was his first involvement with the team since his January 2 collapse

Hamlin revealed his heart stopped as a result of commotio cordis, which is a direct blow at a specific point in a heartbeat that causes cardiac arrest

His next steps will be no different from any other NFL player in his bid to secure a roster spot. 

Hamlin will return to the field when the team’s voluntary spring practices begin next month, followed by mandatory practices in June and then training camp in late July.

His teammates were elated to see him back in the facility working out.

‘D-Ham is a special person, a beautiful soul,’ fellow safety Micah Hyde said. ‘I look up to him, especially how he’s bounced back after facing adversity. A little scary. But to see him well and in the building and move around a little bit, it gives you a little energy.’