Bills Name Damar Hamlin Starter for NFL Week 1

To say that Damar Hamlin has had a tumultuous NFL career is an understatement.

Originally selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 212th pick of the sixth round in the 2021 NFL Draft, Hamlin had a breakout year in 2022.

Unfortunately, it all came to a screeching halt in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2, 2023.

After what seemed to be a routine tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, Hamlin collapsed on the field with what was later determined to be commotio cordis.

Now, a season removed from the incident, Hamlin is finally making his return as a starter.

According to Maddy Glab of BuffaloBills.com, Bills head coach Sean McDermott has officially announced that Hamlin will be the team’s starting safety for the first time since that fateful game against the Bengals.

“What else can’t this young man do?” McDermott asked, impressed with Hamlin’s efforts.

For McDermott, it was apparent through Hamlin’s work ethic that he earned the starting spot.

“I think it’s consistency and opportunity,” McDermott said. “The opportunity that was there, he took advantage of it and was consistent. (He) built a certain level of rapport with T-Rapp, and that’s important as well at the safety position.”

“It’s one thing to come back off of an ACL or a broken bone,” McDermott continued. “It’s another thing to come back off of what he came back off of. Let alone just to decide to play football, contact football in full pads at the NFL level. I don’t think I need to say anything more. It’s incredible.”

“I think God’s hands have been on Damar and his family and will continue to be. We’re just extremely proud and full of gratitude to watch him go through what he’s went through and where he is now.”

In his time with the Bills, Hamlin has played in 34 games, 13 of which he started. In his NFL career, Hamlin has recorded 95 tackles, four pass deflections, three quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

In the 2023 season, Hamlin was a favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year. However, he was narrowly beaten by quarterback Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns.

“I don’t want my story to be left there on the field,” Hamlin told Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. “I want to have a redemption as a player.” And it looks like he’s going to get that redemption.

More NFL: 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Admits He Made Negotiations More Difficult Than They Had to Be