After suffering a cardiac arrest last season, nobody believes Damar Hamlin can return to the NFL, nevertheless, he survived and for this, he was honored with a prestigious award.
Following a trade with the Houston Texans, the Buffalo Bills acquire Pittsburgh’s safety with the No. 212 overall pick in Round 6 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Damar Hamlin received a super honor following his return from cardiac arrest
The winner of the 2023 George Halas Award was announced by the Pro Football Writers of America on Monday, and Hamlin took home the honor this time around, beating out Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, Brian Robinson Jr. of the Washington Commanders, and Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks. This honor is presented yearly to the NFL player, coach, or staff member who triumphs over the greatest hardship to succeed.
After tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in early January in what appeared to be a routine move, the safety lost consciousness on the field. Before being transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Hamlin lay motionless for 19 minutes and received medical treatment. The Bills recently revealed that he has received full clearance to resume football activities, and the safety is eagerly anticipating a triumphant return to the NFL field.
“My heart is still in it,” he said. “My heart is still in the game. I love the game. It’s something I want to prove to myself, not nobody else, I just want to show people that fear is a choice and you can keep going in something without knowing what’s at the end of the tunnel. You might feel anxious or any type of way but you just keep putting your right foot in front of the left foot and you keep going.”
The 2023 Alan Page Community Action Award, the highest honor given by the NFL Players Association, was given to Hamlin during his recovery. Following his recovery, Joe Biden also invited DH to the Oval Office. With Hamlin in the picture, Biden tweeted a positive message about the talented Bills player.
“Damar Hamlin’s courage, resilience, and spirit inspired the American people,” Biden captioned the picture posted. “And what’s more: he turned recovery into action — and our country is better for it. It was my honor to have him and his family here today.”
Damar Hamlin’s courage, resilience, and spirit inspired the American people.
And what's more: he turned recovery into action – and our country is better for it.
It was my honor to have him and his family here today. pic.twitter.com/xju70wnAzl
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 30, 2023
Hamlin is a great source of motivation for all athletes experiencing any sort of emotional or physical difficulty. The return of the superstars is something we are eagerly anticipating, along with safety.
