On 2 January 2023, Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during a Buffalo Bills game after making a tackle. He suffered cardiac arrest and required CPR and a defibrillator before being taken to the hospital. He survived, recovered in the following months, and was later medically cleared to return to football. Hamlin rejoined the Bills and made it back to NFL action. In 2025, he dealt with a chest injury and was placed on injured reserve.
Time Line: What Happened to Damar Hamlin?
The timeline for what happened to Damar Hamlin today goes beyond the 2 January 2023 collapse. It also includes his recovery milestones, his return to the Bills, public CPR work after the incident, and the fact that he did not win AP Comeback Player of the Year despite being a finalist.
- 2 January 2023: Hamlin collapses on the field during the Bills vs Bengals game after making a tackle. He receives emergency treatment, including CPR and a defibrillator.
- 2 January 2023 (later): The Bills confirm Hamlin had cardiac arrest; his heartbeat was restored before hospital transport.
- January-February 2023: Hamlin makes his first public appearances and attends NFL events as he recovers.
- February 2023: Hamlin teams up with the American Heart Association to promote CPR awareness through the #3forHeart campaign.
- April 2023: The Bills’ general manager announces Hamlin is medically cleared for NFL play.
- June 2023: He launches a CPR awareness tour tied to his foundation work, with free CPR training events and AED-related outreach.
- Later in 2023: He expands his community work through the Chasing M’s Foundation, focused on youth empowerment and CPR-related initiatives.
- 2024 season: Hamlin assumes a larger role and starts for Buffalo.
- 12 March 2025: Damar Hamlin signs a new one-year deal with the Bills.
- 11 October 2025: Hamlin is placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury from practice.
- January 2026: He is not activated from injured reserve and misses a playoff game.
- Early February 2026: Hamlin reflects on not winning the 2025 AP Comeback Player of the Year award, speaking publicly about missing out on the honor.
Where is Damar Hamlin today?
Damar Hamlin remained with the Buffalo Bills after his medical emergency in January 2023 and later returned to NFL action following his recovery.
During the Bills-Bengals game on 2 January 2023, he suffered cardiac arrest after a tackle. He received lifesaving care and was taken to the hospital. He eventually resumed his football career in Buffalo.
In March 2025 he agreed to a new one-year deal with the Bills, then a pectoral injury in practice led to injured reserve on 11 October 2025, and he was not activated in time for a playoff game in January 2026. By 2026, Hamlin was actively promoting CPR awareness and youth programs through the Chasing M’s Foundation, continuing the public work he began after his recovery
FAQ
Did Damar Hamlin die?
No. Damar Hamlin did not die. He suffered cardiac arrest during the Bills–Bengals game on 2 January 2023 and received immediate lifesaving care on the field, including CPR and a defibrillator, before being taken to the hospital. He recovered, was later medically cleared to play, and returned to NFL action with the Buffalo Bills.
What happened to Damar Hamlin on the field?
Damar Hamlin collapsed after making a tackle in the Bills vs. Bengals game on 2 January 2023. Officials and medical staff provided emergency treatment, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator, and he was transported to the hospital. The team later confirmed he suffered cardiac arrest and that his heartbeat was restored before the ambulance transport.
Where is Damar Hamlin today?
Damar Hamlin remained with the Buffalo Bills and returned to football after his recovery and medical clearance. In March 2025, he agreed to a one-year deal with Buffalo, showing the team’s continued commitment. Later in 2025, he suffered a pectoral injury in practice, was placed on injured reserve, and was not activated from IR for a playoff game in January 2026.
What happened to Damar Hamlin 2025?
In 2025, Hamlin’s year included both continuity and a setback. He signed a new one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills in March 2025. On 11 October 2025, he was placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury sustained in practice. Reports later said he was not activated from injured reserve and missed a playoff game in January 2026.
