Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Signs One-Year Contract Extension

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills have re-signed safety Damar Hamlin to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday. This decision highlights Hamlin’s remarkable comeback from a life-threatening incident during a game last year.

Hamlin, 26, initially joined the Bills as a sixth-round draft pick from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021. He gained prominence as a full-time starter in the 2024 season, appearing in 14 games, where he recorded a career-high 89 tackles, along with two interceptions and five pass breakups. His play was pivotal in helping the Bills secure their fifth consecutive AFC East title.

His journey took an unexpected turn on January 2, 2023, when Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after a collision in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Medical staff administered CPR on the field, and Hamlin was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further treatment. He remained hospitalized for more than a week, creating a wave of support from fans and the NFL community.

After being medically cleared, Hamlin returned to football, serving as a backup in 2023 as he transitioned back into the sport. His perseverance and determination led to his successful promotion to a starting role in 2024, where he proved his worth on the field.

Hamlin’s impact transcends football; he is also known for his philanthropic efforts through the Chasing M's Foundation, which gained significant attention following his cardiac arrest incident. The foundation emphasizes heart health awareness, CPR education, and legislative initiatives related to cardiac emergencies, further championed through donations received after his health scare.

“The emotional support from my community helped me refocus and grasp the responsibility I have toward others,” Hamlin said. “Now, I feel a sense of duty to advocate for heart health awareness, something that personally matters to me.”

The extension ensures that Hamlin will continue to contribute both on and off the field as Buffalo aims for its sixth consecutive division title and a hopeful Super Bowl appearance in the coming seasons.

ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg contributed to this report.