2023 started out as a scary year for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. As we previously reported, he was in critical condition after he suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed after making a tackle during the first quarter against the Bengals in Cincinnati.
“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals,” the team said in a statement back in June. “His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.” The NFL also issued another statement, saying, “Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition. Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available. The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game,” the league added.
Days later after the scary incident, hospital officials and teammates confirmed that Hamlin was awake and showed “remarkable improvement.” Since then, Hamlin has spoken out about his health Scare and remarkable recovery. While attending the 2023 Espy Awards, he broke down in tears while thanking training staff for their quick call to action earlier this year that ultimately saved his life.
A video tribute narrated by Hamlin announced Bill’s athletic training staff as the recipients of the award. Hamlin says in the clip, “I didn’t wake up that morning in January thinking that I would need someone to save my life that day, and I doubt that the staff thought that they had to do what they did either. What I’ve taken away from what happened to me six and a half months ago, is that any of us at any given time are capable of doing something that’s incredible, in saving a life and living a life in service to others.”
Hamlin was clearly overcome with emotion while on stage. He was seen wiping away tears from his face as he was given a standing ovation.
Athletic trainer Nate Breske accepted the award on behalf of the group. “First and foremost, thank you for staying alive, brother,” Breske said. “We are so honored to be standing up here next to such a strong and gorgeous human being … By the grace of God and divine intervention, we had the best outcome we could have prayed for.”
From there, Breske encouraged everyone to learn CPR to save the next life.
“It was a massive army of specialists who came together on and off the field to do their jobs at night. That team includes the athletic trainers and medical staff, equipment, managers, player, engagement, personnel, mental health clinicians, chaplains, security on-field first responders, paramedics, and the entire medical staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.”
ESPYS host Pat McAfee who introduced Hamlin as the presenter, also said, “The ESPYS are honoring a group of people who not too long ago found themselves in an improbable situation: Trying to save a man’s life with the entire world watching,” McAfee said. “Any small mistake could’ve been fatal. But thanks to their training and their poise, I’m thrilled to be able to introduce to you the presenter of the Pat Tillman Award for service, yinzer Damar Hamlin.”
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