Bills' Damar Hamlin Praised for 'Remarkable' Return
For the first time since Jan. 2, Damar Hamlin played in a football game.
The Buffalo Bills safety played a couple of series in their 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. Hamlin's return showed Bills coach Sean McDermott what he's made of.
"It's a true sign of a young man's courage," McDermott said. "Truly remarkable display of courage and strength, and faith. Had a chance to communicate with Damar last night, and he assured me he was ready to go and was going to trust in his preparation and in God. I think that shows a lot about who he is."
Hamlin had three tackles, including a stop on fourth and one to force a turnover on downs. The Bills' third-year safety was also sent on a couple of blitzes. While many people worry for Hamlin after suffering a cardiac arrest on Jan. 2, he said he can't afford to worry or hesitate when he plays.
"When you step in between the lines, you're putting yourself at risk by hesitating and by reserving yourself," Hamlin said. "I made the choice that I wanted to play. It was nobody else's choice but mine. Making that choice, I know what comes with it."
Even with Hamlin's conviction, McDermott still has a watchful eye over the safety. Before the game, McDermott found himself by the team doctors and asked them a question.
"'You're going to watch him right?'" McDermott said to the doctors. "And they assured me they would. It's hard for me to do that. I certainly watch him when I can, but I know he's in good hands with our doctors."
With the emotion surrounding Hamlin's return leading into Saturday, McDermott also said that he had a conversation with him letting him know he'd be there for him if needed.
"I care about the players as people first," McDermott said. "I wanted him to know that we support him, but also at any moment in time, if he felt a certain way and needed to talk about it, he could come to me, and we could talk about it."
The Bills will be back in action on Friday when they go on the road to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at 6:30 ET.
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