At Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium on Sunday night, the 5-3 Buffalo Bills take on the 4-3 Cincinnati Bengals. Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin is getting ready to go back to the spot where he almost died in January.
“Man, I’m thankful for life,” Hamlin stated in an interview with Christian Arnold of the New York Post on Monday. “Honestly, I’m thankful to wake up, brush my teeth, have a meal. Take 10 deep breaths. I’m thankful for everything. 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.”
On January 2, during a “Monday Night Football” game at Paycor Stadium, Hamlin famously suffered a cardiac arrest and required on-field CPR. After an incredible comeback, he was added to Buffalo’s 53-man roster in August; however, this season, he has played in just one game.
It was acknowledged by Hamlin that he was unsure if he would play in the Cincinnati prime-time game.
“I have no idea what to anticipate,” the 25-year-old remarked. You know, I’m also unique in this. All I know is that I’m entering with my brothers, walking in with strength and courage. You know, and my family is with me as I walk in, including my parents. And I’m entering a setting full of people who have stood by me the entire way. You know, they still help me out on both ends.”
“To get a win” is how Hamlin described the Bills’ trip to Cincinnati, where the 6-2 Miami Dolphins are starting Week 9 atop the AFC East. The New England Patriots are 2-6, while the New York Jets are 4-3.
OddsChecker had the Bills as two-point underdogs against the Bengals as of Wednesday afternoon. Ultimately, keeping teammates focused on the task at hand during a game that could be crucial for both teams in terms of possible playoff spots may be Hamlin’s most important responsibility on Sunday.
