President Biden hails Hamlin courage as Bills safety campaigns for defibrillator access

US president Joe Biden hailed Damar Hamlin's courage as the Buffalo Bills safety visited the White House as part of a campaign to make access to defibrillators more widespread.

Hamlin was rushed to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, with his collapse leading to the cancellation of the NFL game.

The 2021 NFL Draft pick has subsequently campaigned to make automated external defibrillators (AEDs) – as well as training in using them – available to all schools in the United States.

Hamlin met with the US Senate's majority leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday to promote legislation on accessing AEDs, and he followed that meeting with a trip to the White House.

Alongside a picture of him with Hamlin, Biden wrote on Twitter: "Damar Hamlin's courage, resilience, and spirit inspired the American people.

"And what's more: he turned recovery into action – and our country is better for it. It was my honour to have him and his family here today."

Hamlin, who has previously outlined his determination to return to the league, replied: "It was a pleasure and an honour meeting you today.

"I know your time is precious and I wouldn't waste a second of it! Our conversations were valuable."