Damar Hamlin returns to Cincinnati on a mission bigger than football: ‘Walking in with courage’

When Damar Hamlin steps back onto the field at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, he isn’t sure exactly how he’ll feel. 

The Bengals’ home was the site of a life-changing moment for the Bills safety when he suffered cardiac arrest following a routine hit on “Monday Night Football” last season.

The frightening events of Jan. 2 are well known at this point, as Hamlin had to be administered CPR on the field before being rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. 

In the months since, Hamlin, 25, has made a full recovery and has returned to the football field with a greater appreciation of football and just living every day. 

“Man, I’m thankful for life. Honestly, I’m thankful to wake up, brush my teeth, have a meal. Take 10 Deep breaths. I’m thankful for everything,” Hamlin told The Post. “Life is bigger than just ball for me and always will be until the day that I go, but to be able to do what I do at the highest level, I’m an extra level of thankful you know.

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

Now, just 10 months after his scary incident, he and the Bills return to Cincinnati on Sunday for a Week 9 matchup.

Hamlin, who made a return to the field against the Dolphins on Oct. 1, told The Post that he wasn’t sure if he would play in Sunday’s game, but he does know what his mindset will be like.

“I don’t know what to expect. You know, this is unique to me as well,” Hamlin said looking ahead to Sunday’s game. “All I know is I’m walking in with courage, I’m walking in with strength and I’m walking in with my brothers. You know, and I’m walking in with my mom, my dad, my family. And I’m walking into, you know, an environment of people that supported me the entire time.

“They continue to support me, you know, on both ends. So, you know, it’s a lot of love. I can’t wait to receive it and give it and show my gratitude, you know, but ultimately we’re going up there to get a win.”

Hamlin’s own experience has encouraged him to “lead the charge” in heart health awareness since his own scary encounter.

Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation launched a CPR tour over the summer to provide free hands-only CPR training, and Hamlin has been a vocal advocate for increased access to automated external defibrillators (AED) has sought to ensure that athletes at all levels have access to staff properly trained in CPR.  

And, on Tuesday, he partnered with healthcare company and medical device manufacturer Abbott for their HeartMates Program, which aims to create a community of people and caregivers who have been impacted by heart conditions. 

“The program will enable participants to share stories and receive emotional support as well as connect with others going through similar heart health journeys,” according to an Abbott release.

Hamlin’s story has inspired others to step up to promote heart health initiatives and proper training that could save lives in case a cardiac event occurs. 

The Cardinals gifted athletic trainers at local Arizona schools with AEDs, and, ahead of Sunday’s game between the Bills and Bengals, UC Health will host a pregame tailgate near Paycor Stadium that will offer CPR training. 

“For those type of things to be happening, kind of in my honor, It just gives me the strength and the courage and the energy to keep going on on this mission. Keep trying to make a difference,” Hamlin said. “Through my CPR tour, I’m trying to go international and get people CPR trained and pass out AEDs to youth sports leagues no matter what the sport is. Because you know, that the youth is our tomorrow. Taking care of our youth and making sure everybody can have the necessary tools that they need to be a superhero or to save a life. Whatever it may be. 

“I’m fully on that mission. The same way that I’m fully invested in my team, I’m fully invested in continuing to make this mission as big as it can be.”

As he returns to the place of his cardiac arrest, Sunday’s matchup is expected to be emotional for Hamlin’s teammates as well.

He said he discussed “in certain ways” with the guys he shares a locker room with what Sunday could be like. 

The Bills are looking for a win coming out of the bye week and surely will be hoping to put on a good performance in honor of Hamlin.