Pittsburgh Native Damar Hamlin Hopes to Play for Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a big time need at safety. It just so happens to coincide that multiple Pittsburgh natives at safety are free agents, which include Jordan Whitehead and Geno Stone, but not yet included in that is Damar Hamlin, who will be a free agent in 2025. After the journey the Central Catholic graduate and former Pitt safety has been through, he now hits free agency after returning to the field with the Buffalo Bills this past season.

When the Bills came to Pittsburgh for the preseason, Hamlin made multiple tackles and his family from nearby McKees Rocks came to watch. Hamlin reflected on that and checked a goal off his bucket list, which was to play an NFL game in Pittsburgh.

“(Playing an NFL game in Pittsburgh is) definitely off the bucket list,” Hamlin said. “I always wanted to come back into this stadium as a pro, play in front of the home city. Last year was super fun in Buffalo. People talking stuff all week. Even my friends, they’re diehard Steeler fans. So they love us all year, but when we play the Steelers, they can choose sides. But it’s all love on both sides.”

Now back in his hometown for the offseason, Damar Hamlin is set to hit free agency and will find a new home. But what if he did not have to go far? At an event hosted by Billy Lesnak at Steel City Collectibles on behalf of Fantics Collectives to celebrate National Trading Card Day, Hamlin had an in-depth discussion about his journey and where to go from here, and he made it clear that he hopes to play for the Steelers.

“I think ending my career, finishing, as a Pittsburgh Steeler would be a dream. I played at Pitt so you know I was in the stadium. I played at Heinz Field probably for like eight years straight between WPIAL championships and Pitt so a dream come true would be finishing my career as a Steeler,” Hamlin said.

Hamlin was one of over 400 hobby shops that celebrated the event, with other notable celebrities like Odell Beckham Jr., Tom Brady, Kevin Durant, Joe Burrow, Meek Mill, and others appearing throughout the day. And that answer was just one part of the interactions that Hamlin had with children, survivors, and other people in the Pittsburgh area.

Now, in coming to Pittsburgh, that would reunite him with former teammate Kenny Pickett. But the Steelers need safety help, both with depth and starting capable players. Hamlin could at least help out that part of the team. And there is no doubt that Hamlin has immense respect for Mike Tomlin. Don’t be surprised if this happens.