Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Saturday marked the first game played for Bills safety Damar Hamlin after going into cardiac arrest during Buffalo's Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals this past season.
In his brief playing time in the Bills' preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, Hamlin finished the game with three tackles in a 23-19 win at Highmark Stadium.
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Hamlin felt blessed to be back on the field with his teammates for game action after nearly losing his life this past January.
“It was a great experience. Just another milestone of getting back to myself, as far as in the football space and in the NFL,” said Hamlin following Saturday's win.
While there wasn’t any trepidation going into Saturday's preseason matchup, Hamlin was feeling a lot of emotions heading into the game.
"I was excited, and I was ready to play. I don’t feel like I have anything to prove at all, but in a way, it was like proving it to myself and just accepting the challenge," Hamlin said with the assembled media after the game.
"I was feeling everything all at once. I’ve been doing a good job of staying around right-minded people, good mindset coaches in my life, and good mentors, as far as the team. ... Pressure only lives inside of us. As long as you don't let it portray your actions, you can keep it under control."
More of Hamlin's postgame comments are available in the player below:
