Damar Hamlin has learned to “appreciate life” since his sudden cardiac arrest.
The NFL player — who had to be resuscitated on the field after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team Buffalo Bills’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January — has made his way back onto the gridiron in recent weeks and explained that his medical emergency has given him a more “positive outlook on life”.
“Off the field, it’s just kind of givin’ me a perspective to appreciate life a little bit more and appreciate the small things, the things that are free in life — family, time, peace, happiness, any small things. It’s kind of made me more of a positive person to just have more of a positive outlook on life because life is precious and nothing’s promised for us,” he told E! News.
However, the 25-year-old sports star went on to admit that it is a “different journey” in terms of his profession as he noted that he is just “super thankful” to be back doing what he loves.
“On the field, that’s another journey within itself. Just getting back to doing what I love, which I’m super appreciative and thankful for,” he said.
Hamlin has now teamed up with health care company Abbott for its HeartMates initiative to help those affected by heart conditions and hopes that he will be able to inspire others suffering by getting back into the game.
“Just to be able to have that blessing and be able to stand here as a pillar in this community, especially for HeartMates, it means a lot. I know so many patients will get so much encouragement and enthusiasm by seeing me do what I love still today,” he said.
