Damar Hamlin: Bills star ready to ‘walk through fire’ as he prepares for ’emotional’ return to Cincinnati 10 months after suffering cardiac arrest

Nearly a year after a traumatic night at Paycor Stadium, Damar Hamlin is ready to “walk through fire” in his return to Cincinnati this weekend.

It’s been 10 months since the 25-year-old Hamlin collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest mid-game during the Buffalo Bills’ matchup with the Bengals. The safety was given CPR on the field before being taken to the hospital.

He has since made a miraculous recovery, allowing him to continue his football career with the Bills this season. On Sunday evening he returns to Cincinnati for the first time since the terrible incident.

I’m speaking to teammate Von Miller on the podcast “The Von Cast”Hamlin admitted it will be an “emotional” night at Paycor Stadium.

“I think it’s going to be super electric and I think it’s going to be nothing but love,” he said when Miller asked him how it would feel to return to Cincinnati.

Damar Hamlin is ready to “walk through fire” in his return to Cincinnati this weekend.

Hamlin collapsed on the field during the Buffalo Bills’ game against the Bengals 10 months ago

“The only thing I can compare it to is returning to our stadium and how much love and reception there is.”

“So when I go back to it, I’m pretty sure there will be a lot of memories that will make it emotional for me, but I’m not running from it. “I’m ready to walk through the fire.

“I think it’s just going to be love, I think it’s just going to be energy and support. “I’m super excited to see it.

“I remember just watching TV from the hospital and seeing the stadium when we played the Patriots, right after everything happened, and it was electric. “I think it will be at the same level and in be the same atmosphere.

“You know, I’m super excited. I’m grateful, man, I’m blessed and I’m grateful on both sides for the support from everyone in Cincinnati; The team, the fans, everyone who showed their love to my family while they were there for a whole week.

“Like you told me, man, one thing just calmed me down: ‘Man, you already won.’ Literally, the hard part is already over.”

Hamlin officially returned to the field on October 1, but has been frequently inactive in games this season.

Heading into the Week 9 game, he’s not sure if he’ll even be there on Sunday night.

The safety was asked by teammate Von Miller how he would feel on Sunday in Cincinnati

However, the Bills star claims that his health issues over the last year have given him a new outlook on life.

“Man, I’m grateful for life.” Honestly, I’m grateful to wake up, brush my teeth, and eat something. Take 10 deep breaths. “I’m grateful for everything,” Hamlin said The New York Post.

“Life is more than just a ball to me and always will be until I leave, but to be able to do what I do at the highest level I am especially grateful, you know.”

“I’m super grateful to have my normal life back. But I’m extremely grateful that I can continue to compete at the highest level and do what I love.”