Damar Hamlin emotionally presents Pat Tillman Award for Service to Bills training staff who saved his life

Damar Hamlin could barely keep it together as he presented the Pat Tillman Award for Service to the Buffalo Bills training staff. The same team that helped save him after collapsing on the field in Cincinnati in January.

The moment is none of the scariest moments in NFL history, and is seven short months — Hamlin is expected to play football this upcoming season.

The Buffalo Bills safety broke down into a few of the staff member’s arms after he announced the recipient. It was a touching moment that was amplified by Hamlin’s tears.

Watch the heartfelt announcement below:

Damar Hamlin was brought to tears when presenting the Pat Tillman Award for Service to the training staff of the Buffalo Bills ❤️ 💙 pic.twitter.com/IThNKmREyC

— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023

The tragic incident occurred in the midst of Hamlin’s breakout second season in the NFL after a successful collegiate career at Pitt. He finished the season with 91 total tackles which was good for the most of any DB on the roster, and third on the entire team — after the incident.

Hamlin spoke about his struggles at length for the first time in a public setting back in February, where he received a standing ovation from the crowd at the NFL Honors.

“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.”

Since the tragic event, the NFL has jumpstarted a new program centered around treating cardiac arrest on the field and has helped other NFL organizations contribute AEDs throughout their local communities, among other charitable and preventative measures. Personally to Hamlin, the craziest part of this whole thing is that it’s been over a month since he was listed as a full participant during Buffalo’s offseason workouts.