'I'm doing great': Damar Hamlin aims to return to NFL after suffering on-field cardiac arrest
CINCINNATI, OHIO: Damar Hamlin has opened up on his journey after suffering a mid-game cardiac arrest last month. There was little doubt that the NFL star will be aiming to be back on the field, but it was not clear when he would return. Talking with Good Morning America, the 24-year-old athlete said on Monday, February 13, "Still working through things. I'm still trying to process all the emotions, the trauma, that comes from dealing with a situation like that."
On being asked about his recovery, the Buffalo Bills safety reflected, "I'm doing great. Every morning, every night, I take 10 deep breaths to myself and it puts everything in perspective for me." Hamlin didn’t want to think too much about the incident and why it happened, "It was a crazy feeling — something I couldn't really describe," he said about watching the replay. "Something I'm still processing, something I'm trying to work through." Hamlin came on the field with the first responders, whom he owes his life on Sunday, February 12, before the super bowl, and the young star was also spotted attending the annual NFL Honors event last week.
READ MORE
'Gone too soon': Fans mourn Jessie Lemonier as NFL star dies at 25 leaving behind pregnant partner
Damar Hamlin is feeling "thankful" as he is recognized for his significant charity work a month after suffering cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/NwnAxngolm
— People (@people) February 10, 2023
'It's a long road'
Addressing when he can make a potential return on his beloved Buffalo Bills team, and any tentative date is given by his medical team, the 24-year-old told Good Morning America it is now up to him, reports People. "It's a tough situation because they can't really tell. It's an up-to-me-thing, I guess. It's a long road; they were just worrying about trying to get me back to normal," said Hamlin. On being asked by the host, whether he would like to play football again, the star with a slight hesitation replied, "You know, eventually, that's always the goal," Hamlin also added, "but I'm allowing that to be in God's hands."
So what’s Damar Hamlin up to these days?
At present, the Buffalo Bills safety is working with an NGO and helping people learn first responsive action during a cardiac emergency. "Right now I'm teaming up with the American Heart Association. We're trying to get 3 million people to apply and learn CPR, and that's something I feel is important because it really did save my life that night," said Hamlin.
He also thanked Denny, Buffalo Bills' trainer, who performed CPR on him after his heart stopped briefly, he said: "I owe Denny my life, literally." "He loves to say he was just doing his job, which is true. That night he was literally the savior of my life, administrating CPR on me", recalled Hamlin.