Damar Hamlin gives heartwarming speech after receiving NFLPA award, 37 days after his cardiac arrest

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 $9 million.

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

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

‘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. 

Hamlin launched a partnership of his own with the American Heart Association to raise awareness of how to deliver hands only CPR – and asked for some help from Tom Brady, LeBron James and Michelle Obama. 

Sharing the video on social media, Hamlin said: ‘What’s up everybody, it’s D Ham. Once again I want to thank everybody for the love and support over the past three weeks.

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

‘As you know, CPR saved my life earlier this year on the field. And CPR could easily save your life or someone you live. That’s why I’m proud to announce that I’m partnering with the American Heart Association and kicking off Damar Hamlin’s three for heart CPR challenge. And of course this one has three steps.

‘Step one, got to heart.org/3 to watch a short video to learn hands only CPR. Step two, donate to the AHA to fund CPR awareness and education and step three, challenge three friends to do the same.

‘To kick things off, I’m challenging the goats. LeBron James, Tom Brady and Michelle Obama, you’ve all been challenged.’ The campaign correlates with Hamlin’s No 3 that he wore for the Bills.