Bills' McDermott praises Hamlin's return: What we witnessed is 'remarkable'

Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin played in his first game Saturday since suffering a cardiac arrest in January, making an impact in the team's preseason matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

"What we just witnessed to me is remarkable," Bills head coach Sean McDermott said afterward, according to Grant Gordon of NFL Network. "It's a true sign of a young man's courage and, obviously, everyone that helped him get to this point."

Hamlin saw his first game action on the Bills' kickoff team early in the first quarter.

"It was fun, it was super fun, it was a great experience," Hamlin said. "Just another milestone and a step up to just getting back to myself as far as the football space."

He added: "Just chopping this tree down as much as I can, one step at a time."

He joined Buffalo's defense on the Colts' second offensive drive and made his presence known. The Pittsburgh product tackled Colts running back Evan Hull for no gain, forcing a turnover on downs. Hamlin finished the game with four tackles.

"It for sure felt like a little weight off my shoulders," Hamlin said of making his first tackle.

"I think it'll be like that probably every game. But even before my situation, it's kind of like that; we all get butterflies until we get that first contact. That's universal for being an athlete. That just lets you know you're human. That just lets you know you live in the moment."

Hamlin collided with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in Week 17 last season, resulting in him suffering commotio cordis. He went into cardiac arrest, was transported to the University of Cincinnati via ambulance, and remained in critical condition for close to a week.

The Bills kick off their regular season on Sept. 11 against the New York Jets.