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Thrilled Damar Hamlin joins the medical staff who saved his life onstage at the NFL Honors as he thanks them for ‘everything they did’ and promises ‘the journey will continue’
Damar Hamlin made an appearance at NFL Honors Thursday night in Phoenix, giving a moving speech to an adoring audience.
The league honored the medical and coaching staff of the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, who endorsed Hamlin during his speech.
Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the gridiron during a game between the teams on January 2 in Cincinnati, OH.
“First, I’d like to thank God for being here,” Hamlin began.
“Every day it amazes me that my experiences can encourage so many others across the country and even around the world,” Hamlin said. ‘Be encouraged to pray, be encouraged to spread the love and be encouraged to keep fighting no matter the circumstances.
Damar Hamlin delivered a moving speech at NFL Honors in front of those who saved her life.
“Sudden cardiac arrest was not something I would have chosen to be a part of my story, but that is because sometimes our own visions are too small, even when we think we are seeing the bigger picture.
“My vision was to play in the NFL and be the best player that I could be. But God’s plan was to have a purpose bigger than any game in this world.
‘All my life I felt that God was using me to give hope to others. And now, with a new set of circumstances, I can only say that he is doing what he has always done.
‘I have a long journey ahead of me, a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones. But it’s much easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.’
Hamlin received continual applause and a standing ovation upon his arrival on stage. During his speech, he recounted meeting a man after the shocking incident that gave him immense hope.
‘My third night awake in the hospital, I met an ICU doctor, his name was Youssef. He told me that he had a similar experience, he showed me that he was fine and that meant a lot to me,” he continued.
‘There was so much uncertainty at the time and only he came to me; showing that he could live a normal life again meant a lot to me at the time.
So I want to say a big thank you to him and a special thank you to everyone on this stage for everything they did for me.
Hamlin hugged staff members from the Bills Medical Center, Bengals and U of Cincinnati
Those who helped Hamlin in his recovery were honored with an appearance at the awards event.
‘And thank you to everyone across the country and around the world who prayed for me and waited for me. The journey will continue.
Hamlin was rewarded for his generous spirit with the NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award on Wednesday.
Hamlin made a brief appearance in Phoenix to collect the award at the Phoenix Convention Center.
The Buffalo Bills safety is likely to make a spectacular return to football, according to the NFL Players Association medical director.
Speaking on SiriusXM on Wednesday, Dr. Thom Mayer revealed that he “guaranteed” Hamlin would see an NFL field again.