Damar Hamlin: You Can’t Play If You Hesitate

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin played his first game since suffering a cardiac arrest against the Bengals on Jan 2.

Head coach Sean McDermott says his comeback in the preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts was ‘remarkable’.

Damar Hamlin says he is taking his recovery step-by-step, but that he’s not hesitating to get involved in the play.

The 25-year-old played 24 snaps against the Colts and made three tackles.

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“It was fun, it was super fun, it was a great experience, just another milestone and a step up to just getting back to myself as far as the football space,” Damar Hamlin said. 

“Just chopping this tree down as much as I can, one step at a time.”

Hamlin experienced no ill-effects from his first physical contact in nearly six months. He describes it as a conscious choice to not be afraid of taking hits.

“When you step in between those lines, you’re putting yourself at risk by hesitating and reserving yourself,” Hamlin said. 

“So, I made the choice that I wanted to play, it wasn’t anybody else’s choice but mine, so making that choice, I know what comes with it. So when you see my cleats laced up and my helmet and shoulder pads on, I’m going to go with no hesitation. 

“Because you can’t play this game like that, you’ll put yourself at more risk if you hesitate. I’m out there just not thinking twice, just playing my game how I was taught to play since I was my little brother’s age.”

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“What we just witnessed, to me, is remarkable,” McDermott said. 

“It really is. It’s a true sign of a young man’s courage and, obviously, everyone that helped him get to this point. I know there’s a football game going on out there today, but I mean, truly remarkable display of courage and strength and faith. 

“Had a chance to communicate with Damar a little bit last night, and he assured me he was ready to go and was going to trust in his preparation and God, and I think that shows a lot about who he is.”