Bills’ Damar Hamlin makes surprise appearance to accept NFLPA award

Damar Hamlin accepts Alan Page Community Award

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin spent a brief time in Phoenix during Super Bowl week to accept the NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award.

Hamlin won the award Wednesday for raising more than $9 million for his Chasing M’s Foundation. He entered the stage at the Phoenix Convention Center with his parents to claim the trophy.

He said that giving back to his community has always been essential to who he is. He also expressed gratitude to his father, who always supported him. He added that growing up, he saw his father do community days in his town and had always been eager for his time to arrive.

Hamlin was one of five candidates for the award – given annually to a player for outstanding volunteer efforts in the city of his team or his hometown. Hamlin’s nonprofit received a $100,000 prize for winning the award.

Hamlin’s surprise visit to Pheonix marks his first public appearance since the 24-year-old player collapsed on the field with cardiac arrest during a game against Cincinnati Bengals on January 2.

Rob Maaddi

2023-02-08 20:17

Damar Hamlin accepts the Alan Page Community service award. https://t.co/7nDlLzhwPl

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CPR was administered on-site when the incident occurred, and he was quickly transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The game, which was delayed, eventually got canceled.

Hamlin was discharged on January 9 and sent to Buffalo General Medical Center to receive therapy closer to home. He was released on January 11.

On January 22, Hamlin attended a Bills divisional playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, in which the Bills lost 27-10.

NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer said on SiriusXM’s “Heart to Heart” that Hamlin would be allowed to return to the field soon.

Mayer later said Wednesday that he didn’t want to discuss HIPAA issues, but he promised that “Hamlin will play professional football again.”

In response to Mayer’s comments, NFLPA executive director Demaurice Smith said that despite Hamlin’s remarkable recovery, he and his family would ultimately decide whether or not to return to football.

Smith added that, naturally, Hamlin would release a statement regarding his comeback to football at his convenience.

According to Hamlin’s marketing representative, Jordon Rooney, the young safety still needs oxygen and daily cardiac monitoring to ensure no relapse.