WATCH: Bills' Damar Hamlin Gives Emotional Speech at NFL Honors
Just a little over a month after suffering from cardiac arrest in the field of play against the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin made his way to the stage at NFL Honors Thursday and gave an emotional speech that will be remembered for a long time.
Joined on stage by members of the medical staffs from the Bills, Bengals and University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Hamlin thanked the doctors, his family and the world for all the support throughout his recovery.
Take a look:
"My entire life, I felt like God was using me to give others hope," Hamlin said. "And now with a new set of circumstances, I can only say he's 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."
In the weeks since his collapse on that Monday night, which resulted in the eventual cancellation of the game altogether, Hamlin has used his newfound and unintentional fame to inspire positive change.
While raising millions for his charity that originally started as a toys fund for kids, Hamlin has also been the voice of CPR awareness and education around the league. The NFL has followed suit, as the league will be providing free CPR education in Phoenix this week during Super Bowl LVII festivities.
All this has culminated in Hamlin winning the 2023 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award, which was officially announced Wednesday.
"Every day, I am amazed that my experiences could encourage so many others across the country, and even across the world," Hamlin said. "My vision was about playing in the NFL and being the best player that I could be, but God's plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world."
"The journey will continue," Hamlin said.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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