On Tuesday, eight months after a near-death experience during a game at Cincinnati, Hamlin made it to the team after the Bills pared their roster to 53 players.
General manager Brandon Beane has stressed changes to the roster before the Bills open their season at the New York Jets on Sept. 11.
Hamlin’s courage in reaching this milestone of his comeback is undeniable by reclaiming a backup role behind starters Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
What began as a national theme of “Prayers for Hamlin” has turned to praise for Hamlin, who put aside hints of trepidation in each step of his recovery.
The 25-year-old was in a medically induced coma due to cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated on the field.
His return to the turf to take and deliver hits at full speed during practice and three preseason game appearances in one of North America’s most violent professional sports is phenomenal.
“I made the choice that I wanted to play, you know, it wasn’t nobody else’s choice but mine,” Hamlin said of his approach after a three-tackle outing in Buffalo’s preseason-opening win against Indianapolis three weeks ago. “So, when you see my cleats laced up and my helmet and shoulder pads on, there ain’t gonna be no hesitation.”
A week later in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Hamlin was selected to take the field as a captain for the coin flip before the Bills’ game against the Steelers.
“It was really special, like a moment of serendipity, just like life coming full circle for me,” he said following the game, which finished with three more tackles. “It’s just something indescribable.”
Hamlin finished the preseason with nine solo tackles and one assist while playing 80 defensive snaps and 19 more on special teams.
Coach Sean McDermott assured Hamlin’s place on the roster was secure two weeks ago by saying the player had little more to prove.
“From my non-medical standpoint, I think he’s checked all the boxes as far as that goes,” McDermott said. “There’s just been enough of a sample where you’re saying he’s executed well and come out of that healthy.”
Hamlin had extensive playing experience in his second NFL season last year, where he had 13 starts after filling in after Hyde sustained a season-ending neck injury.
To peek too far ahead, he said, would be emotionally overwhelming. At the same time, Hamlin’s not been one to look back, either, while dealing with the nationwide attention he’s attracted.
“I honestly would love to do this whole process under a rock, getting myself together and then pop back out when I feel like my best,” Hamlin once said.
“But I think there’s strength in going through a process in front of everybody’s eyes. It shows vulnerability and shows strength, shows perseverance, and that’s things I would love to stand for.”
Buffalo Bills begins its season on Sept. 11 against the New York Jets.
