Damar Hamlin was in a nostalgic mood as the Buffalo Bills safety made an appearance in Steelers territory. Pittsburgh also happens to be his hometown.
A fan at a packed Steel City Collectibles signing event questioned Hamlin whether he had ever wanted to play for the Steelers. That is a yes.
“I think ending my career, finishing, as a Pittsburgh Steeler would be a dream more so than playing there (at the beginning his pro career) because I played at Pitt,” Hamlin stated in an interview. “So… I played at Heinz Field for around eight years straight (between WPIAL championships and Pitt), so concluding my career as a Steeler would be a dream come true.
Damar Hamlin discusses how he wants to end his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler.
Meanwhile, a poll of Pittsburgh Tribune Review readers indicated that 31 percent would welcome Hamlin as long as he was the perfect fit, with 29 percent saying they would definitely love to see him in a Steelers uniform.
Hamlin grew up seven miles from the Steelers’ headquarters. He attended Central Catholic High School and was a standout football player. He oversaw the defense the year the club won the Class AAAA Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League title. Hamlin remained close to home, signing with the Pitt Panthers. He and Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett were the Panthers’ co-captains.
Hamlin and Pickett met before and after an August preseason game at Acrisure Stadium. Prior to the pre-game coin toss, the two hugged in midfield. Pickett then approached Hamlin after the game and requested a jersey swap. Hamlin also wanted to present a jersey to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. After all, Hamlin has always thought of the Steelers as a special team.
Hamlin holds a unique place in the hearts of Steeler and NFL fans alike. They all applauded for his recovery after Hamlin suffered a near-fatal heart attack on January 2, 2023. His heart stopped, and he slumped on the field just after making a tackle. However, after several days in the ICU, he was able to breathe on his own. Every step of his recuperation felt like a miracle.
He healed enough to play this season, but not as a starter. He appeared in five games but was inactive in the others. His primary responsibility was special teams.
Hamlin does play safety, which is a position in need for the Steelers. He has a year left on his deal with the Bills.
