Great news from the Buffalo Bills: Damar Hamlin practiced with pads on Monday. For him, the return is very emotional

Seven months after his cardiac arrest, professional football player Damar Hamlin is back on the field. The 25-year-old from the Buffalo Bills of the professional league NFL took part in practice again on Monday without restrictions, the Bills practiced with pads for the first time in camp.

Hamlin already began team sessions on 7 June, but there was no contact on the field then, no tackles yet. So it’s the next step for Hamlin, who is taking it all in emotionally.

“In football, you can’t go on the field tentatively,” Hamlin told reporters Monday. “You only put yourself in more danger by doing that. I made the decision to play. I’m processing a thousand emotions. I’m not afraid to say it’s going through my mind, to be a little scared here and there. My strength is rooted in my faith, and my faith is stronger than any fear. “

Cardiac arrest on the pitch

Hamlin had suffered a cardiac arrest in the game at the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2. He was resuscitated while still on the field and later placed in an induced coma at the hospital.

Three and a half months after his collapse, Hamlin had been given the green light by doctors to start working on his comeback. “My heart still beats for the game. I love the game,” he had declared.