Building a winning culture is difficult in the NFL. Building a winning culture that is also a welcome home for its players is even harder.
Despite their recent postseason failures, the Buffalo Bills have built that kind of "home" culture that has pushed them through five straight division titles in the AFC East. No example is clearer about how important their culture has been than with starting safety Damar Hamlin.
Hamlin became a hero overnight when he lied on the field in Cincinnati clinging to life. Buffalo did everything they could to remain patient with him afterward when he made a full recovery and pushed to get back on the field.
It was Buffalo's patience and love for Hamlin that made his free agency decision clear this offseason by signing a contract to remain with the Bills.
"This is home, this is all I know as a pro," Hamlin said. I'm connected to this place on a totally different level. This is where I want to spend my whole career if I can."
Hamlin started 14 games last season while recording two interceptions with close to 90 tackles. Even he understands that from where he was on the December ground two years ago to being a starter moving forward, Hamlin knows more is coming for him.
"Last year I was getting the training wheels off," Hamlin stated. "Coming back from literally dying on the field to playing a full season again, I feel like I had a lot of success."
Buffalo welcomed back their hero safety. The big reason why he wanted to return, though, is the highlight of how strong the team's atmosphere and culture has been.
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
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