Category: Sports | Title: Is Damar Hamlin Still Playing Football | Tag: Damar Hamlin | Meta Description: Current status of Damar Hamlin's football career, health, and NFL future based on the latest public reports...
Current NFL Status and Career Timeline
Damar Hamlin remains under contract with the Buffalo Bills through the 2025 NFL season, but he is not currently on the active roster and has not appeared in a regular-season game since the January 2023 incident. The Bills placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list, and as of the latest available public updates, he has not been cleared to return to full NFL competition. The team has continued to move forward with other players at the safety position while Hamlin focuses on his recovery and personal initiatives. Forbes reported on the immediate aftermath of the in-game collapse and the Bills' roster decisions.
The NFL and the Bills have not announced a formal retirement, but Hamlin has not participated in team activities, training camps, or preseason games since the incident. NFL roster rules allow players on the non-football injury list to remain under contract without being activated, and the Bills have used that designation to preserve his roster spot while he recovers. No official statement from the league or the team has confirmed a return to on-field play as of the most recent reporting. The NFL's official site has published updates on Hamlin's status and league protocols.
Medical Recovery and Health Updates
Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, 2023, and received immediate CPR and defibrillation on the field before being transported to a hospital. He was discharged from the hospital within days and has since shared updates indicating significant progress in his recovery, but medical clearance for full-contact football has not been publicly granted. The incident prompted the NFL and NFL Players Association to review and enhance on-field emergency action plans across all teams.
Hamlin's medical team has emphasized the importance of a gradual, monitored return-to-play process, and the complexity of cardiac events in athletes means that clearance depends on extensive testing and specialist evaluation. The Buffalo Bills have consistently stated that their priority is Hamlin's health and long-term well-being, and they have supported his decision to take as much time as needed. Mayo Clinic provides medical context on cardiac arrest in athletes and the importance of follow-up care.
Post-Incident Activities and Future Outlook
Hamlin has remained involved in philanthropic work through the Damar Hamlin Foundation, which focuses on youth health, cardiac awareness, and community support, and he has participated in public appearances and advocacy events related to heart health and emergency preparedness. The foundation has raised funds and awareness for CPR training and cardiac screening programs, aligning with Hamlin's stated goals of using his experience to help others.
While Hamlin has not officially announced a retirement from the NFL, the combination of his extended absence from the field, the lack of a formal return-to-play announcement, and the team's roster moves suggests that a return to professional football in the near term is unlikely. NFL teams continue to evaluate safety positions based on current rosters and draft resources, and Hamlin's future role, if any, will depend on medical clearance, team decisions, and his own readiness. ESPN has covered the contractual and roster implications of Hamlin's ongoing absence.