Damar Hamlin is awarded the NFLPA's Alan Page Community Award

02/09/2023

‘I plan to never take this position for granted’: Damar Hamlin gives heartwarming speech after receiving NFLPA award – with appearance 37 days after suffering cardiac arrest – as doctor insists he WILL play football again

The Bills safety appeared in Phoenix to receive the prestigious NFLPA Award
Hamlin is expected to make a return to football according to an NFLPA doctor
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Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been rewarded for his generous spirit in the form of the NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award Wednesday.

Hamlin made a brief appearance in Phoenix to collect the award at the Phoenix Convention Center.

It comes just over a month after Hamlin collapsed on the field, playing for the Buffalo Bills against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2.

‘One of my favorite quotes: it’s a blessing to be a blessing,’ Hamlin said, reading from a brief statement with his parents on stage with him.

‘With 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 where I come from and also communities across the world.’

Damar Hamlin has become a beacon of light for the NFL since his recovery from cardiac arrest

Hamlin’s toy drive fundraiser received unexpected GoFundMe donations in the days and weeks after he collapsed. Chasing M´s has since raised more than $9million.

‘Giving back to my community has always been a part of who I am,’ he said. ‘I’m thankful to my father, who´s right here behind me, growing up watching him doing community days in our community. I just was always waiting on my time when it came.

As a result of the award win, his foundation will receive a $100,000 donation.

The 24-year-old Buffalo Bills player had to be resuscitated after suffering a cardiac arrest following a tackle in the first quarter of the now-infamous game.

Though, he is likely to make a spectacular return to football according to the NFL Players Association medical director.

Speaking on SiriusXM Wednesday, Dr. Thom Mayer revealed that he ‘guaranteed’ Hamlin would see an NFL field again.

‘I guarantee you that Damar Hamlin will play professional football again,’ Mayer said on SiriusXM Doctor Radio’s ‘Heart to Heart’ program.

Meanwhile, the NFL and American Heart Association have teamed up to provide free CPR education following the lifesaving medical attention Hamlin received.

Hamlin (left) sent the NFL world into shock, collapsing after making a tackle in January

The two parties will offer CPR awareness at the Phoenix Convention Center, Arizona throughout Super Bowl week.

‘Being able to deliver care in emergency situations is not just important at sporting events, but in all walks of life,’ NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

Bills assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington performed CPR on Hamlin, who spoke publicly for the first time in late February, on the field.

‘I’m so thankful to everybody and I know that it isn’t enough just to be thankful,’ Hamlin said via his social media channels.

The NFL and American Heart Association have teamed up to provide free CPR education

‘This is just the beginning of the impact that I wanted to have on the world and with God’s guidance I will continue to do wonderful and great things.

‘I couldn’t do this without any of the support and the love and I can’t wait to continue to take y’all on this journey with me.’

The short message from the full video lasting five minutes and 48 seconds was captioned by the Bills safety: ‘From The Heart – Sincerely 3.’

The precise cause of the 24-year-old safety’s cardiac arrest has not been revealed. Hamlin tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the moments before falling to the turf at Paycor Stadium.

UC’s Dr. Timothy Pritts and Dr. William Knight oversaw his care at the facility, which ended on January 9 when he was transferred to a hospital in Western New York.

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