Damar Hamlin triumphant defensive return Bills 12th man

Damar Hamlin makes triumphant return to the Buffalo Bills' defense after suffering cardiac arrest, but team ultimately loses due to penalty.

Damar Hamlin had a long and difficult journey back to the field after suffering cardiac arrest during a game last season. Despite making the Bills' 53-man roster, he was mostly a healthy scratch until Monday night's game against the Denver Broncos, when an injury to a fellow defensive back gave him the opportunity to step onto the field for his first defensive snaps of the season.

With the Bills leading by one point and the Broncos needing to get into field goal range to win the game, Hamlin made a crucial tackle on tight end Adam Trautman that forced Denver to burn their second timeout. However, the Broncos were ultimately able to complete their drive and secure a game-winning field goal, despite a missed attempt that was nullified by a penalty against the Bills for having 12 men on the field.

Rumors began to swirl that Hamlin was the 12th man responsible for the costly penalty, but this was proven to be false. The safety's triumphant return to defensive action was overshadowed by the Bills' loss, but it was not his fault.