Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin appeared at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday night, taking the Symphony Hall stage in Phoenix to a standing ovation before speaking to the crowd.
“Every day, I am amazed that my experiences could encourage others across the country, and even across the world,” said Hamlin, who is making significant progress after suffering cardiac arrest in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2.
“My vision was about playing in the NFL, and being the best player I could be,” Hamlin continued, with the Bills medical staff who resuscitated him on the field standing behind him on stage. “But God’s plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world. My entire life I felt like God was using me to give others hope. And now with a new set of circumstances, I can only say he is doing what he’s always done.
“I have a long journey ahead, a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones. But it’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.”
Hamlin’s appearance came after NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer said Wednesday that he believes Hamlin will eventually return to the field.
“I don’t want to get into HIPAA issues, but I guarantee you that Damar Hamlin will play professional football again,” Mayer said on Sirius XM Doctor Radio show “Heart to Heart.”
Hamlin, who turns 25 next month, was awarded the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award on Wednesday for his work off the field. He was in good spirits during a recent Super Bowl Week appearance.
In the game against the Bengals, Hamlin attempted a routine tackle on receiver Tee Higgins and collapsed after trying to stand up. He received medical care on the field and was brought to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
As the NFL community rallied around him, Hamlin was later transferred to a medical center in Buffalo and was released Jan. 11. He made his first public appearance during the Bills’ AFC divisional round matchup against the Bengals.
Hamlin teamed with the American Heart Association to raise awareness for CPR training and education and expressed his gratitude for all the support on a social media post.
“What happened to me on Monday Night Football was a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share my passion and my love directly from my heart with the entire world,” Hamlin said in the message.
A sixth-round pick of the Bills in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Pitt, Hamlin became a full-time starter in 2022. In 29 career games, Hamlin has 93 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, four passes defended and one forced fumble.
–Field Level Media
