During the Buffalo Bills' Week 17 game in 2022-23 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, the sports world froze in fear and disbelief as Bills safety Damar Hamlin unexpectedly collapsed during a play.
The then 24 year old lay motionless as medical personnel rushed to help. Hamlin was carted off the field and rushed to the hospital where it was revealed that he had gone into cardiac arrest mid-game.
The young Bills starter then became the talk of the sports world with millions worldwide offering prayers and well wishes, as well as beginning serious conversations about health and safety in the NFL.
Thankfully Hamlin recovered back to full strength and was granted the opportunity to continue his NFL career. He appeared in just five games the following season, but last year was a regular contributor for Buffalo. He started all 14 games he played in and recorded the first two interceptions of his four-year career.
Now 27, Hamlin has announced to ESPN that he plans to write a book about beating the odds and overcoming adversity.
He broke the news to writer Tim McManus after revealing what books he's been reading recently, likely finding inspiration from his two picks.
Hamlin said he is reading "Can't Hurt Me" by former Navy Seal David Goggins and "Fear Is a Choice: Tackling Life's Challenges with Dignity, Faith, and Determination" by Arizona Cardinals running back and cancer survivor James Conner.
Goggins' book is about "being able to wire your brain to where situations that are going on around you or happening to you, can't necessarily have that much hold over how you go forward," Hamlin said.
Hamlin also explained that reading allows him "to use time I'm wasting on stupid (expletive) productively."
Ahead of the 2025 season, Hamlin signed a one-year, $2 million contract to stay in Buffalo. He is, once again, expected to play a big role on the Bills' defense to reach their ultimate goal of playing in a Super Bowl.
Off the field, Hamlin may make an even bigger impact by inspiring fans across the globe with his storytelling of one of the league's most traumatic moments and brave comebacks.