Damar Hamlin, the defensive player who suffered a cardiac arrest during a game in January 2023, will make his return as a starter with the Buffalo Bills this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season.

"It’s a blessing. I reflect on everything I went through and didn’t know if I’d ever play again. Sitting with that uncertainty was eating at me because this sport is truly my passion. It’s something I’ve been obsessed with my whole life," the 26-year-old player said at a press conference.

It will be Hamlin's first start since he suffered cardiac arrest on the field during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, 2023, from the 2022 season.

In that game, Hamlin experienced the cardiac event after being hit in the chest by a rival’s helmet. He fell to the ground dramatically and was revived twice by paramedics before being taken to the hospital by ambulance.

He was hospitalized in critical condition for a week, was discharged on January 11, and continued his treatment at home. His recovery was swift.

After several medical evaluations, he was cleared to return to training in April of that year; he participated in drills with the Bills in June and received clearance to join the team’s practices at the end of July.

Hamlin's participation in the 2023 season was limited to a few plays where he recorded just two tackles, but this is expected to change this year thanks to his improved health and the confidence of head coach Sean McDermott.

"What else can this young man not do? Recovering from a torn ligament or a broken bone is one thing, but recovering from what he went through is another. I don’t think there’s anything more to say. It’s incredible. We’re very proud and grateful to see him go through all this and be where he is now," McDermott emphasized.