Damar Hamlin on His Recovery From Cardiac Arrest: 'Physically, I'm Getting Stronger' (Exclusive)

Damar Hamlin. Damar Hamlin says he’s experienced “a rollercoaster of emotions” recently, as he’s gearing up for his return to the football field. In a newinterviewwith the American Heart Association, shared exclusively with PEOPLE, the Buffalo Bills star opens up about his recovery from a mid-game cardiac arrest on live television in January and the new “purpose” he’s found as a heart health advocate. “I’m just trying to focus on the right foot in front of the left,” Hamlin, 25, tells host Nancy Brown, the CEO of the American Heart Association.

Damar Hamlin Practices for First Time Since On-Field Cardiac Arrest: 'An Amazing Story'

Damar Hamlin was back on the practice field Tuesday afternoon, five months after he suffered cardiac arrest and suddenly collapsed during a Monday Night Football game. Hamlin, 25,wroteon Instagram that he felt “blessed” to be back in a Buffalo Bills helmet and practicing with his teammates. “This is what a prayer outcome looks like,” the Bills safety wrote alongside a photo of him in his practice gear. “I’m just so thankful.

Damar Hamlin Released from Hospital and Will 'Continue His Rehabilitation at Home'

The good news keeps coming forDamar Hamlin!The Buffalo Bills safety has been discharged from the hospital and is headed home, according to astatement from the teamshared on Wednesday.The Bills shared that Hamlin, 24, went through “a comprehensive medical evaluation” and a “series of cardiac, neurological, and vascular testing” on Tuesday after being transferred to the Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute on Monday.Hamlin’s lead critical care physician Dr. Jamie Nadler said, “We have completed a series of tests and evaluations, and in consultation with the team physicians, we are confident that Damar can be safely discharged to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills,” according to the team’s statement.

Damar Hamlin Returns to the Cincinnati Hospital That Saved His Life: 'My 3rd Home'

Photo:Damar Hamlin/InstagramBuffalo Bills' safety Damar Hamlin made an emotional return to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, almost eight months after the hospital’s staff saved his life.Hamlin, 25,shareda carousel of photos and videos from a visit with the staff at the Cincinnati hospital where he was treated for cardiac arrest in January.“Back In Cincy For The First Time,” Hamlin wrote in the caption, adding that the visit had him “reliving the toughest moments” when he returned.

Damar Hamlin Returns to the Field in First NFL Game Since His Cardiac Arrest in January

Photo:Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock Damar Hamlinis back on the field! The 25-year-old Buffalo Bills player showed he was ready for action on Saturday, playing in his first NFL game since undergoingcardiac arrestduring a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2. The safety stepped in for the team’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts in his hometown, where he made three solo tackles in the first half of the game, including a fourth down tackle at the Bills' 40-yard line, according toReuters.