One year and eight months later, Damar Hamlin is all set to make one of the most storied comebacks. On 2nd January 2023, in Cincinnati, Damar laid still on the gridiron as a hush engulfed the stadium during the Bills clash against the Bengals. He was down owing to a cardiac arrest. Now, fast-forward to 2024, he’s not just back. But this NFL Insider breaks the great news about the Bills’ safety.

Adam Schefter writes that Damar Hamlin will start Sunday’s regular-season opener vs. the Cardinals. This would be his first start since the unforgettable on-field medical emergency. While not many would even have the mental fortitude to shake it off, Hamlin already started his road to come back when he got the green light from the doctors. And that’s what his HC, his teammates, and the fans respect about him.

“What else can’t this young man do?” Coach Sean McDermott’s words echo the awe that surrounds Hamlin’s comeback. McDermott isn’t just talking the talk; he’s walking the walk by giving Hamlin the starting spot. “I think it’s consistency and opportunity,” McDermott said. And boy, did Hamlin seize that chance! Building that key rapport with T-Rapp has been like hitting the perfect deep pass.

Hamlin’s return last season was like a warm-up lap, playing five games in a reserve role. But with the unfortunate events of January 2023 behind him, he’s ready to get back in the game full-time. Remember his 2022 season? 91 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 15 games—Hamlin was on fire before. And it would be fool’s paradise to think that he cannot reach those numbers, or better, anymore.

At just 26, he’s still got plenty of game left, making him one of the most thrilling storylines for the upcoming NFL season. Are you ready? Because he is.

Damar Hamlin feels blessed to be here

“I’m feeling confident, man,” Damar Hamlin told USA Today, and why wouldn’t he be? He has been waiting. Letting it all simmer down for the past one and a half years, almost two seasons. But he is ready to hit week 1 as a starter, with a pep in his step and a fire in his belly. What’s helped him in this journey? You might ask. “Being able to just believe in yourself and knowing who you are,” he said, and that’s exactly what you want to hear from a guy who’s facing down the gridiron with renewed vigor.

With the Bills undergoing some serious roster reshuffling, including the departure of stars like Stefon Diggs and Jordan Poyer, Hamlin is stepping up big-time. He’s ready to hone the position he once geared up for, week in and week out. But despite his personal success, and spotlight, he has not forgotten to shine the light on those who have helped him in his dark times. And Diggs is one of them. Sure, he’s now catching passes for the Houston Texans, but he was a major influence, helping Hamlin regain his swagger. “He helped me shape my life,” Hamlin noted. “I’ll forever, like, love him differently.”

With Hamlin set to start against the Cardinals, it’s clear he’s ready to make his mark in the Buffalo defensive backfield. As Hamlin gears up for his fourth season, his perspective is clear: “I’m just blessed to have the opportunity to still be here.” And in his case, we can say, whatever works for you champ. Regardless of how many snaps he gets, Hamlin’s presence on the field is a testament to his strength and purpose.