Damar Hamlin is within the constructing.
The Bills safety, who went into cardiac arrest three weeks ago during a game in Cincinnati, made an appearance on the team’s Divisional Round playoff game against the Bengals at Highmark Stadium, with the CBS pregame broadcast showing Hamlin on a security cart within the leadup to the sport.
It’s his first public appearance since being resuscitated, though Hamlin has posted usually on Instagram and, in response to Bills coach Sean McDermott, been an everyday on the team facility.
McDermott said this week that Hamlin is “dipping his toe back in here and getting on the road to only being himself,” and Hamlin’s marketing representative told the Associated Press this week that the road to recovery continues to be long.
“Damar still requires oxygen and is having his heart monitored usually to make sure there aren’t any setbacks or after effects,” Jordon Rooney said, per the AP. “Though he’s capable of visit the team facility, Damar isn’t in position to travel often, and requires additional rest to assist his body heal.”
Up to now, Hamlin’s recovery from a near-death experience has been stunning. Not only is he walking, talking and capable of breathe on his own, but Hamlin was discharged from Buffalo General Medical Center on Jan. 11.
It’s fitting that his first time with the ability to watch the Bills in person comes against the Bengals, who were Buffalo’s opponent when Hamlin collapsed through the first quarter of a Jan. 2 game while tackling receiver Tee Higgins. That game was cancelled by the NFL after Hamlin was taken to the hospital in Cincinnati.
Higgins said Thursday he hoped that Hamlin would find a way to attend the sport.
“Just glad to see him,” Higgins told reporters. “I haven’t really spoken to him. Just letting his family do what he must do with all his family members.”
Doubtless, it should be an excellent sight to see Hamlin cheering his team on as they appear to make the AFC title game.
