Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - While it was announced on Thursday that Damar Hamlin was named a finalist for the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2023, the Pro Football Writers of America have named the Buffalo Bills' safety as their selection for the honor on Friday.
Hamlin was able to return to play five regular season games this year after nearly losing his life late last year in a Week 17 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. In those five games, Hamlin played mainly on special teams, but still managed to register two tackles in action on defense.
The third-year safety went into cardiac arrest in the first quarter of the Jan. 2, 2023 matchup with the Bengals after an episode of commotio cordis while making a routine tackle. The Bills' training and medical staff immediately performed CPR on the field and needed the help of an AED in order to save his life.
Hamlin was able to make a full recovery, and was back to full football activities just a few months after the incident.
This marks the third time a Bills player has been honored as Comeback Player of the Year from the PFWA. Hamlin joins former Bills quarterback Doug Flutie in 1998 and running back Willis McGahee in 2004 as the other recipients of this honor.
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