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WATCH: Damar Hamlin takes the stage, receives standing ovation at NFL Honors

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•02/09/23•

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Damar Hamlin
Photo by Maximilian Haupt/picture alliance via Getty Images

Thursday night, at the NFL Honors, Damar Hamlin made one of his first public appearances since his sudden cardiac arrest on Monday Night Football last month. The league honored every first responder who worked to save his life at Paycor Stadium as the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals squared off.

Then, he stepped to the microphone.

Hamlin, 24, took the opportunity thank not only the people on the stage, but the people around the globe who offered their support as he recovered. He also spoke about how his life has changed since the incident.

“First, I would like to just thank God for even being here,” Hamlin said. “Every day, I am amazed that my experiences could encourage so many others across the country and even across the world. Encourage to pray, encourage to spread love and encourage to keep fighting, no matter the circumstances. Sudden cardiac arrest was nothing I would’ve ever chosen to be a part of my story, but that’s because sometimes, our own visions are too small, even when we think we are seeing the bigger picture.

“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. My entire life, I felt like God was using me to give others hope. 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 filled with unknowns and a journey filled with milestones. But it’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.”

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While he was at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, multiple doctors worked with Hamlin as he recovered from his cardiac arrest. But one stood out more than the others — and he played a key role in getting Hamlin back to full strength.

“My third night awake in the hospital, I met an ICU doctor. His name was Yusef,” Hamlin said. “He told me he had a similar experience. He showed me he was OK, and that meant so much to me. There was so much uncertainty at the time, and just him coming to me and showing I could live a normal life again, it meant so much to me in the moment.

“I want to give a big thank you to him, and a special thank you to everyone on this stage for everything they did for me. And thank you, everyone around the country and around the world who prayed for me and hoped for me. The journey will continue.”