Damar Hamlin Was ‘a Little Scared’ to Practice in Pads, but Playing Football Again ‘Feels Amazing’

Mar. 16, 2025

Photo:Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock

Damar Hamlin

Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock

Damar Hamlinis back in action.

Seven months after suffering cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game, the Buffalo Bills safety told reporters this week that he’s feeling all the emotions as he marks his return to the field.

But on Monday, the 25-year-old donned pads and his helmet for the first time at practice, wherecameras caught himmaking an interception and then running the ball into the end zone.

“It feels amazing,” Hamlin told reporters afterwards. “It’s a roller coaster of emotions. I was kind of all over the place, just kind of being back for the first time. But God don’t make no mistakes. I’m on God’s timing. As much as the NFL is on schedule and camp starts this day, this is all God’s timing.”

Hamlin further elaborated on his faith, which he says has helped guide him back to the game.

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It’s not the first time the NFL star has opened up about his comeback.

AP Photo/John Wawrow

Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin (3) practices with the NFL football team Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Orchard Park

In aninterview with the American Heart Association, shared exclusively with PEOPLE in May, Hamlin was candid about his progress.

source: people.com