ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — KJ Hamler was quick to answer the question.

What type of player can fans expect from the Buffalo Bills' new wide receiver?

"Aw, man. I’m lightning in a bottle," Hamler said after practice during mandatory minicamp. "I’m electric in a bottle. Ready to take the top off and once the ball’s in my hands, I’m going to make plays with it."

What You Need To Know

  •  KJ Hamler joined the Bills last January

  •  The former 2nd round pick of the Denver Broncos has dealt with injuries and mental health issues throughout his four-year career

  • Hamler has opened up about his struggles as he seeks a fresh start in Buffalo 

At 24, Hamler is still young but he’s looking for a fresh start in Buffalo to find the spark that made him a 2nd round pick of the Broncos four years ago.

"One of my coaches in Denver always told me, ‘you’ve got to go through hell to reach paradise,’ and that sticks with me to this day," Hamler said. 

His time in Denver saw flashes of greatness darkened by a rash of injuries — a torn knee ligament and dislocated hip among them — never allowing Hamler to reach his full potential.

"It’s been rough these past two-three years, but that’s just how God wanted it to be," he said. "I had to come to a conclusion about that."

Last summer came another setback: pain in his chest he initially thought was a heart attack. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with pericarditis, or inflammation in the sac around his heart.

"The pain was so excruciating it woke me up at like 4 in the morning," Hamler said. "I had to drive myself to the hospital. [I'm] blessed that I got there in time. [I'm] blessed that I was able to treat it, but I had to take a whole different perspective of life."

Through all his physical problems, his mental and emotional state suffered — only worsened by events that happened away from the football field.

"[There] was times where I really wanted to give up," he said. "At one point, I didn’t want to be here. [I] lost my grandmother, lost my cousin. Got injured. So just battling through a whole bunch of adversity."

Hamler was hit especially hard when his grandmother passed away. She was a focal point in his life; the first person he visited each time he went home. 

"I hate talking about her because I always get a little…you know what I’m saying," Hamler said, holding back tears. "That was my first love though. And I think she was the one that held the family together, so it’s kind of been a little rough without her."

One thing after another put Hamler in a place he never imagined. But through therapy, opening up and sharing his story, he’s been able to find peace and happiness again.

"It’s like weight lifted off my shoulders. It’s still work to be made, it’s still progress to be made but I’m always excited for it," Hamler said. "That’s the thing. I’m not scared anymore. I don’t fear anything. I can go out there and play free, with a free mind."

A healthy mind and body — ready to recapture that lightning in a bottle in Buffalo.