Hamlin’s cardiac arrest challenged that mindset. It was a sobering moment for the whole league.
“We play a dangerous sport — every time we step out there,” 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell said. “You’re always going to have it in the back of your head, but it’s the sport you play — you just got to go out there and not think about it.” “We go out there and play this sport with a passion, with a love for it. That’s what you need to go out there and play freely. You never know when your last snap is going to be… We’re risking our lives [for] when we go out there. But if you play with a positive mindset, hopefully, things can be in your favor.”