Damar Hamlin was honored on the court ahead of the 2023 Super Bowl alongside the medical team that saved his life.
Buffalo Bills safety was joined by athletic and medical staff from his team and the Bengals as well as the University of Cincinnati Medical Center team.
It was his third appearance in the build-up to Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona at State Farm Stadium before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles kicked off.
It’s only been a little over a month since Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and required resuscitation on the field in Cincinnati.
He also appeared on stage at the “NFL Honors” Thursday night after medical teams were recognized for their work.
Hamlin has previously credited Buffalo Bills coach Denny Kellington with saving his life after he collapsed following a collision during the Bills’ game with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Kellington was among the first responders who helped revive him.
“I owe my life to Denny, literally,” Hamlin told Good Morning America. “He likes to say he was just doing his job, which is true. That night he was literally the savior of my life, giving me CPR.
“If it wasn’t for someone who shows up that day with a clear mind and whatever is going on in their personal life, just to put it aside and be present in the moment so they can do their thing. work properly, that’s something I’m really grateful for and I don’t take for granted.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott previously praised the role of assistant athletic trainer Kellington.
“For an assistant to find himself in that position and needing to take the steps he took and to step in and take charge like he did – and there were others on the pitch as well – is just amazing,” McDermott said of Kellington. .
“And the courage it took, you talk about a true leader, a true hero who saved Damar’s life and admire his strength.”
Hamlin made a brief appearance in Phoenix this week ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl to receive the NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award.
The Buffalo Bills safety received the award at the Phoenix Convention Center on Wednesday, just over a month after suffering cardiac arrest and requiring resuscitation on the field in Cincinnati.
“One of my favorite quotes: It’s a blessing to be a blessing,” Hamlin said, reading a brief statement with his parents on stage with him. “That being said, I plan to never take this position for granted and always have an urgent approach to making a difference in the community I come from and also in communities around the world.”
Hamlin was one of five finalists for the Alan Page Award, which annually recognizes a player who goes above and beyond to perform community service in their team city and/or hometown. His foundation received $100,000 with the prize.
“He is not just an individual who has overcome so much, he is not only a person who reminds us of how dangerous this game is, but also the spirit, the love, the joy, the brotherhood of people playing this game,” NFLPA executive director Demaurice Smith said.
Hamlin’s Toy Drive fundraiser received unexpected donations from GoFundMe in the days and weeks after it collapsed. Chasing M’s has since raised over $9 million.
“Giving back to my community has always been part of who I am,” Hamlin said. “I am grateful for my dad, who is right here behind me, growing up watching him do community days in our community. I always bided my time when it came.
Additional reports per AP