Bills' Damar Hamlin Back in Pads, 'Not Afraid' to Admit Fears
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been inspiring a countless number of people this offseason. And as he made his return to a full-padded football practice on Monday at Bills training camp, he brought even more inspiration due to the vulnerability he showed when reflecting on his journey back.
Monday marks the first time Hamlin has played with pads since suffering cardiac arrest on Jan. 2. He said that hesitation does no good for any player on the field, but admitted that fears about his health tend to come up internally despite all the joy he's been feeling during his return.
"I'm processing 1000 emotions," Hamlin said. "I’m not afraid to say that it crosses my mind and being a little scared here and there."
Getting back to this moment was one that obviously took tons of thought. No one would blame Hamlin if he wanted to call it quits after nearly losing his life, but the strength of family helped push him through, regardless of fears.
"My family, my mom and my dad, they were behind me either way I wanted to go, playing or not," he said. "But if this is the decision we're gonna make, we're gonna go with it and keep going. So I made my decision. I'm living with it."
That "wow" moment during live play in practice hasn't quite happened yet for Hamlin, as he admitted that passes haven't been coming his way. As a defensive back, it's hard to complain about this, but he certainly wouldn't mind "turning up" training camp with a big interception or takeaway.
"I mean balls not coming my way that makes you think you're doing your job right," he said. "But I would love some more opportunities to make a big play and turn practice up a little bit."
Regardless of whether or not Hamlin makes that practice-changing play he's been looking for in training camp, the biggest highlight of them all is his return to field with a smile that can be seen through the face mask.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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