Injury Timeline for Damar Hamlin Since Cardiac Arrest

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin overcomes cardiac arrest to return to football after multiple hospital visits and consultations with specialists.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has received incredible news - he has been given the green light to return to football after suffering cardiac arrest on the field against the Bengals on January 2nd. However, the journey to this point has been far from easy. Hamlin has undergone treatment at multiple hospitals and has worked with numerous physicians to get back on his feet.

The timeline of Hamlin's injury and recovery is as follows:

Following the incident, Hamlin visited three different specialists, according to Bills general manager Brandon Beane. He saw the final specialist last Friday and has now been cleared to fully return to football, as all three specialists agreed.

In a press conference, Hamlin confirmed the news, stating that this is not the end of his story and he plans to make a comeback to the NFL.

On March 29th, 2023, Hamlin joined Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to review a bill that aims to increase the availability of defibrillators in public schools. The next day, he met with President Joe Biden, who expressed gratitude for Hamlin's courage, resilience, and can-do spirit, which has inspired the American people.

On February 10th, 2023, Hamlin attended the "NFL Honors" event alongside the first responders who helped save his life. Two days later, he was on the field ahead of Super Bowl LVII, where he joined members of the Bills-Bengals medical staff and UC Medical Center.

Earlier on February 8th, 2023, Hamlin received the 2023 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award, which recognizes NFL players who go above and beyond to give back to their hometown and team city. He made his first public appearance since the cardiac arrest at the Bills' home playoff game against the Bengals, waving to fans from a stadium suite and performing his signature heart sign gesture to show love to his supporters.

On January 14th, 2023, Hamlin made an incredible first visit back to the Bills' training facility in Orchard Park, N.Y., just two weeks after his cardiac arrest. He was discharged from the Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute after a successful series of tests and evaluations. Hamlin expressed his gratitude for the love and support he has received, stating that he plans to put that love back into the world.

Throughout his recovery, Hamlin has shown remarkable progress. On January 6th, 2023, his breathing tube was removed, and he was able to address his teammates and coaches on FaceTime, expressing his love for them. The following day, Dr. Timothy Pritts of UC Health reported substantial improvement in Hamlin's neurological condition and function. He had also communicated with others through writing.

Further updates on January 5th, 2023, revealed that Hamlin had made remarkable improvement and was neurologically intact. His lungs were healing, and he continued to progress steadily. On January 4th, 2023, the Bills reported signs of improvement, although Hamlin remained in critical condition in the ICU. His family released a statement thanking everyone for their love and support during this challenging time.

The incident occurred on January 2nd, 2023, during a game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin collided with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins while making a tackle in the first quarter. Medical professionals immediately rushed to the field to administer CPR for approximately 10 minutes until an ambulance arrived. Hamlin's heartbeat was restored on the field.

The Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game was postponed following the incident, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announcing the decision. Bills players returned to the sideline after receiving hugs and handshakes from their teammates. The league had no intention of restarting the game, stating that it would be insensitive and inappropriate.

Damar Hamlin's journey from suffering cardiac arrest to being cleared to return to football is a testament to his strength, resilience, and the support he has received from his team, medical professionals, and fans. His story serves as an inspiration to others facing adversity, showing that with determination and the right support, it is possible to overcome even the most challenging obstacles.