Damar Hamlin is celebrating after President Joe Biden signed a heart health bill he championed.
Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a game against the Bengals in 2023, and his life was narrowly saved by immediate CPR and defibrillation.
And now, the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, and Research, and AED Training in the School Act of 2024 (HEARTS Act) will help put defibrillators in schools and increase access to CPR training.
Hamlin worked on the bill with New York Senator Chuck Schumer, while the NFL’s Smart Hearts Coalition also helped on the initiative.
“It’s super narcotic, man. Shoutout to Senator Schumer. Shoutout to the Smart Hearts Coalition. Shoutout to the American Heart Association and to my Chasing M’s foundation,” Hamlin shared ESPN.
“We all came together to leave a legacy off the field. “I’ve always wanted to leave a legacy on the field in my life, but also have a legacy and have meaning and purpose off the field.”
Damar Hamlin worked with New York Senator Chuck Schumer on the HEARTS Act
Hamlin collapsed after making what appeared to be a routine tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins
The safety is now back on the field and is consistently starting games for the 12-3 Bills
Previously, the bill passed the House of Representatives in September and was unanimously approved by the Senate on December 10, as ESPN noted.
President Biden signed the bill into law on Monday.
After returning to the field in Week 4 of the 2023 season — and receiving only sporadic playing time last season — Hamlin has become an integral part of the Bills defense this year.
He has started 13 of 15 games this year and has recorded two interceptions and five passes defended – both career highs.
Hamlin and the 12-3 Bills will continue to roll when they host the Jets this weekend.