*Bills safety Damar Hamlin returned to the field for the Buffalo’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
The moment has been a long time coming for the 25-year-old safety following the medical emergency he suffered in January 2023 after a routine tackle caused him to have a heart attack on the field.
Hamlin’s recovery became a national story over the next several months. After Saturday’s win, he spoke of his return to football, Yahoo reports.
“Just my first few plays in being pressures, and there’s my number being called,” Hamlin said to the press.
“So, all of the jitters, all the nerves, that was like out the window right there, like right then and there. But it was good for me. It was able to get me going,” he added.
“When I’m feeling those nerves and I’m feeling those emotions, it just means I, it means I love, I really love this,” Hamlin continued. “I love this, like, I want to be here. I want to play, I want to do good. I want to be one of the greats. I want to be remembered as somebody who, you know, stood for something and who made a difference when I was out there on the field.”
Watch his full remarks via the YouTube clip above.
The third-year safety reportedly recorded three tackles during Saturday’s contest.
“What we just witnessed, to me, is remarkable,” head coach Sean McDermott said to the media after the game.
“It really is. It’s a true sign of a young man’s courage and obviously, everyone who helped him get to this point. I know there was a football game going on out there today, but I mean truly remarkable display of courage and strength and faith,” McDermott added.
“I had a chance to communicate with Damar a little bit last night, and he assured me he was ready to go. So, he trusts his preparation and God. I think that shows a lot about who he is,” he continued.
Hamlin said returning to the field over the weekend “was super fun.”
“It was a great experience. Just another milestone and a step up just getting back to myself as far as in the football space and in the NFL,” he said.
READ MORE: Damar Hamlin Can Play Football Again! Team Says He’s Now Good to Go After January Cardiac Arrest
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