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At the 2023 ESPY Awards, an impactful moment unfolded between Damar Hamlin and the Buffalo Bills' dedicated training staff. After a heartfelt video showcasing Hamlin's emotional gratitude for the life-saving support provided by the Buffalo training staff, a standing ovation ensued as he stood on the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the Bills safety proceeded to honor the training staff by presenting them with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service. Members of the training staff joined him on stage and comforted him.
“Please welcome this year’s recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service: The training staff of the Buffalo Bills,” Hamlin said, through tears.
Watch the video here:
Effective Bills Staff Saved Hamlin’s Life
This poignant moment unfolded just over half a year after Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a game in Cincinnati on January 2nd. Thanks to the swift response of the Bills' training staff, who administered CPR, Hamlin's life was saved.
Watch Damar Hamlin's on-field incident:
Following a 10-day stay in hospitals in Cincinnati and Buffalo, Hamlin was discharged to continue his rehabilitation both at home and with the support of the Bills organization. In mid-April, the 25-year-old received medical clearance to return to football, and he took part in his first practice since the life-threatening incident in early June.
This team next to me who is celebrated tonight, we're not used to having the spotlight on us. We were just doing our job," said Bills' trainer Nate Breske. "But the idea of service is definitely something that is ingrained in our profession and that we take great pride in."
