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The Buffalo Bills and safety Damar Hamlin have reached an agreement on a one-year contract extension, the team announced on its social media accounts Wednesday (March 12).
"We’ve agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension with @HamlinIsland," the Bills wrote along with three heart hands emojis, referencing the safety's signature hand gesture.
Hamlin, 26, who gained national attention after suffering cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game in January 2023, is coming off a season in which he recorded 89 tackles, which was second among all Bills players, as well as two tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and the first two interceptions of his career, all while making 14 starts in 2024.
Hamlin recorded his first career interception off Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which set up a five-play, 41-yard drive capped off by a 27-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Allen to wide receiver Khalil Shakir, in the second quarter of a September 23, 2024, Monday Night Football blowout win. The safety also forced Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to fumble, which resulted in a Bills ensuing touchdown drive, during the AFC Divisional Round win in January.
Hamlin's crucial playoff play came two years after he suffered cardiac arrest on the field during the Bills' Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023. A stretcher and ambulance came onto the field and CPR was administered by first responders.
Hamlin was hospitalized at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and initially reported to be in critical condition before making a miraculous recovery, which coincided with an outpouring of support from players, coaches and fans. A GoFundMe page initially launched by Hamlin's Chasing M's Foundation to support a toy drive prior to his medical situation -- and later to support his recovery after far exceeding its $2,500 goal -- raised more than $9 million.
The Pittsburgh native was released from UC Medical Center one week after suffering cardiac arrest and discharged from Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute after completing a series of tests and evaluations two days later.