Damar Hamlin is an American football safety who plays for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 24, 1997, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned recognition for his defensive skills. Hamlin was drafted by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
In January 2023, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field. He collapsed after making a tackle and required immediate medical attention, including CPR and defibrillation. Hamlin spent several days in critical condition but showed remarkable improvement, eventually returning to play later that year.
In April 2023, Hamlin was fully cleared to resume playing by NFL doctors. He made his return to the field during the preseason and played in the regular season, recording his first career interception in September 2024.
On March 12, 2025, Hamlin signed a one-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills, ensuring his position with the team for the upcoming season.
Off the field, Hamlin has become an advocate for increased access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools, aiming to improve emergency response capabilities for sudden cardiac events. He met with President Joe Biden in 2023 to discuss legislation supporting this cause.