>
The Buffalo Bills coach who gave Damar Hamlin CPR after he collapsed midgame from cardiac arrest has been given an NFL MVP vote as the stricken star recovers at home.
Denny Kellington, 44, received the fifth-place vote from ESPN host Suzy Kolber, who said the vote was a “token gesture” representing “everyone,” according to the Associated Press. She added: “Rarely do they get the recognition they deserve.”
Kellington is credited with saving Hamlin’s life after he went into cardiac arrest during the game on January 2.
The Buffalo Bills safety collapsed after hitting a single off Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. He got up briefly but then fell to the ground, where he remained motionless.
Buffalo Bills assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington received a vote for NFL MVP
Damar Hamlin collapsed after hitting Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on Jan. 2.
Medical personnel sprang into action to save the 24-year-old’s life, including assistant athletic trainer Kellington.
Medical personnel sprang into action to save the 24-year-old’s life, including assistant athletic trainer Kellington, who has since been praised by Bills medical staff and coaches.
The Valuable Player Award is given to the player who is deemed “Most Valuable” in that year’s regular season.
Kellington was credited by Bills head coach Sean McDermott for saving Hamlin’s life, calling him a “real leader” and a “real hero”.
Hamlin is now recovering at home after being released from the hospital. He was photographed with his teammates for the first time since his collapse on Saturday and tweeted his support for them on Sunday.
“For an assistant to find himself in that position and need to take the steps that he did … it’s amazing,” McDermott told reporters.
‘You speak of a true leader, a true hero in saving Damar’s life. I admire his strength.
Bills safety Damar Hamlin was released from the hospital in Buffalo on Wednesday and is now recovering at home.
Kellington has been with the Bills for five years after spending a decade as the head track coach at Syracuse University.
Kellington received the fifth-place vote from ESPN host Suzy Kolber (pictured), who said the vote was a “token gesture” representing “everyone.”
A fan holds a sign with Buffalo Bills coach Denny Kellington during practice before an NFL game on January 8.
Doctors treating Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Health Center, where he was transferred after his collapse, said Kellington’s quick response was crucial to his survival.
“The Bills coaching staff that was with him immediately recognized that this was no run-of-the-mill injury and that they had a major event on their hands and responded immediately,” Dr. Timothy Pritts told reporters.
‘This was as good as something like this can work in very challenging circumstances. They did a fantastic job, which is why we’re here today.’
Kellington has been with the Bills for five years after spending a decade as head track coach at Syracuse University. He has a bachelor’s degree from the state of Oklahoma.
Meanwhile, Hamlin is now recovering at home after being released from the hospital in Buffalo on Wednesday.
On Sunday, Hamlin tweeted his support for his teammates during the Bills’ first-round playoff win over the Miami Dolphins as he continues to heal at home.
The Bills revealed the good news about Hamlin on their Twitter profile Wednesday morning.
Bills LB Matt Milano shared a photo of teammate Damar Hamlin with the team on Saturday
The Bills revealed the good news in a statement on social media Wednesday morning, saying: ‘Damar Hamlin has been released from Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute, a Kaleida Health Center in Buffalo, New York. .
‘Hamlin was admitted Monday and underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation, as well as a series of cardiac, neurological and vascular tests on Tuesday.
‘Jamie Nadler, MD, critical care physician and chief quality officer at Kaleida Health and leader of Hamlin’s care team, said, “We have completed a series of tests and evaluations, and in consultation with team physicians, we are confident that that Damar can be safely released to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills.’
On Saturday, Hamlin was reunited with his teammates for the first time since his collapse, and linebacker Matt Milano posted a picture of the safety on his Instagram story.
On Sunday, he tweeted his support for his teammates during the Bills’ first-round playoff victory over the Miami Dolphins as he continues to recover at home.
He posted on Twitter: ‘My heart goes out to my boys as they compete today.
I want nothing more than to be out there with them! LFG #Bills Mafia’
To give back to the hospital that saved his life, Hamlin launched a T-shirt series with proceeds going to the UC Medical Center.