Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s near-fatal cardiac arrest stopped everything. It happened after a routine tackle during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023. Viewers watched in shock as first responders gave him CPR on the field. What started as a regular NFL game quickly became a moment of global concern.
After the incident, Hamlin was put into a medically induced coma and spent two days on a ventilator. His impressive recovery marked a turning point. While in the hospital, he started his journey back to football and became a national advocate for heart health.
Doctors later found that Hamlin had suffered from commotio cordis. This rare condition occurs when a strong blow to the chest occurs at a specific point in the heart’s cycle, leading to a dangerous heart rhythm.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, commotio cordis symptoms include:
Hamlin’s experience also showed that, because there is so little time to act, many people are not ready to respond in an emergency.
A recent scientific review found that 94 percent of victims were male, with an average age of 19, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Nearly two-thirds of cases occurred during sports, and most involved a ball, such as a baseball or softball.
For cases not related to sports, about three-fourths were due to assault, and seven percent came from car accidents, according to the AHA.
While commotio cordis is hard to prevent, proper training can help. A 2015 statement from the AHA and American College of Cardiology says survival rates rose to nearly 60 percent by 2012. Getting certified in CPR or AED use is a practical way to help. Many hospitals, community centers, and organizations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer in-person and online classes to teach lifesaving skills. You can start by checking with your local hospital or fire department, or by visiting the Red Cross and American Heart Association training pages.
Hamlin sees his cardiac event as the start of a complete lifestyle change. For him, a heart crisis made health his top priority, but his motivation is more than just self-preservation. He feels a strong duty to use his story as an example for others, especially young people and elders in his community, to show that living a heart-healthy life is the best way to thrive.
His recovery was not just physical; global support played a big role. This outpouring of care inspired him to keep advocating. He believes real healing means changing your mindset through trauma therapy. He let go of a “why me” attitude and focused on personal growth and strength.
As he recovered, Hamlin changed the mission of his Chasing M’s Foundation. What started as a toy drive has become a leader in heart health education and now focuses on:
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Years after that life-changing night, Hamlin is continuing his commitment through a partnership with the supplement brand Qunol. Together, they surprise community heroes with personal video calls as part of the Champions at Heart initiative.
“What resonated with me most about this campaign is its commitment to real community impact. Through the Chasing M’s Foundation, I’ve learned that being a Champion at Heart isn’t about recognition it’s about responsibility. It’s about showing up, giving back, and making sure communities have the support and resources they need to succeed to empower the next generation. That’s the kind of impact I’m committed to,” Hamlin shares.
By honoring everyday heroes like teachers, coaches, and volunteers, the campaign shows that being a champion is not just about trophies or titles. It’s about having the strength to lead and serve others.
“Going through what I went through changed my perspective on what it really means to have the heart of a champion. For me, it’s not just about football or performance it’s about purpose. It’s about how you show up for your community, how you respond to adversity, and how you use your platform to uplift others,” Hamlin says. “…It’s about recognizing the people who lead with courage, resilience, and compassion every single day. I’ve been blessed to experience support from people around the world, and now it’s important for me to pour that same energy back into others. There’s a champion inside all of us and when we take care of our hearts and live with intention, we can do the things we love, be present for the people we love, and make a real impact.”
RELATED: 8 Warning Signs Your Body May be Headed for Cardiac Arrest
Hamlin’s current health routine shows this new focus. He balances advanced medical advice with simple, disciplined self-care:
Damar Hamlin’s story reminds us that a cardiac emergency can happen to anyone, anywhere. Here are some ways to be prepared:
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