Bills safety Damar Hamlin returns to game action for first time since cardiac arrest

There are many milestones for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin in his return from a scary cardiac arrest on the field last season.

He had already returned to practice in pads, but getting back in game action had to feel like a pretty big deal. After the Bills scored an early touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts, Hamlin was on the kickoff team. He played safety on defense for most of the first half. It was a moment worth celebrating.

"It was super fun, it was a great experience, just another milestone of getting back to myself," Hamlin said, via Heather Prusak of News 4 Buffalo. "Just chopping this tree down one step by one."

Bills coach Sean McDermott recognized the importance of the moment.

"What we just witnessed to me is remarkable," McDermott said, via NFL.com. "It really is. It's a true sign of a young man's courage and, obviously, everyone that helped him get to this point. I know there's a football game going on out there today, but I mean, truly remarkable display of courage and strength and faith.

Hamlin was in on a couple tackles his first series, including being a part of a stop on fourth-and-1. On one play, Hamlin raced up from his safety position to meet Colts running back Evan Hull in the hole for the tackle. It was good to see Hamlin playing like he did before his scary moment. Hamlin was credited with three tackles in the first half. He wasn't with the Bills defense to start the second half, as the team made substitutions.

Late last season, Hamlin made a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals, got up and then collapsed as his heart stopped. A team of medical professionals worked to revive Hamlin. The game was postponed, and Hamlin became the biggest story in the sports world. He became an inspiration to many this offseason.

Preseason football doesn't count in the standings, but Hamlin just being back in game action was a milestone moment for him.