On January 2, 2023, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin had just made a tackle when he collapsed to the ground. Medical personnel immediately began CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock his heart back into rhythm. Hamlin was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he underwent further treatment.
Hamlin was released from the hospital a week later and continued his recovery at home. He was cleared to return to football in April 2023 and has since been training with the Bills.
Hamlin's cardiac arrest was caused by a condition called commotio cordis, which is a sudden cardiac arrest that can be caused by a blow to the chest. Commotio cordis is rare, but it can be fatal. Hamlin is one of the few people who have survived commotio cordis after collapsing on a football field.
Hamlin's story has inspired many people, and he has become a spokesperson for commotio cordis awareness. He has met with President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss the issue, and he has also lobbied for legislation that would increase the availability of AEDs on school campuses.
Hamlin's story is a reminder that even the most seemingly healthy athletes can be at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. However, with early intervention, it is possible to survive commotio cordis and return to a normal life.
In addition to his work on commotio cordis awareness, Hamlin is also a fashion entrepreneur and a philanthropist. He has started a fashion line called Chasing Millions, and he organizes annual charity Christmas toy drives in his hometown of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
Hamlin is an inspiration to many people, and his story is a reminder that anything is possible if you never give up. He is a true survivor, and he is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.