Bills safety Damar Hamlin will return to Cincinnati for a game against the Bengals on Sunday, just 10 months after he suffered a cardiac arrest at Paycor Stadium in January.
Despite what happened the last time he was on the field, Hamlin is entering Sunday’s game with a positive mindset thanks to all the support he received from Bengals fans this year.
“I think it’s going to be super electric, and I think it’s going to be nothing but love,” Hamlin told teammate Von Miller on The Voncast. “Only thing I got to compare it to is just going back into our stadium and how much love and reception. Going back into there, I’m pretty sure it’ll be like a bunch of memories, which will make it emotional for me. But, I ain’t running from it, I’m ready to walk through the fire.”
Damar Hamlin opens up on being back in Cincinnati after cardiac arrest last season 🙏
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 2, 2023
"I ain't running from it. I'm ready to walk through the fire."
(via The Voncast) pic.twitter.com/z5PmRKlviC
Hamlin admitted he thinks the “electric” environment will mimic what it was like for him to watch from the hospital bed on television as fans of various teams supported him the week after his cardiac arrest.
The Bills safety even befriended some Bengals players after the on-field medical emergency, including receivers Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.
Hamlin has made a return to the football field already this season, performing on special teams. He was a full participant in practice on Thursday after missing practice on Wednesday due to illness.
It is unclear if Hamlin, who has appeared in just three games this season, will play against the Bengals, but head coach Sean McDermott said it will be a "football decision," rather than an emotional one.
