Bills training staff will be awarded the Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPYs
Some things are bigger than sports. Damar Hamlin's story has already inspired so much good in Buffalo and across the entire nation. During a contest with the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin collapsed after attempting to make a tackle. He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated on the field. Quick thinking from the […]
Some things are bigger than sports.
Damar Hamlin's story has already inspired so much good in Buffalo and across the entire nation.
During a contest with the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin collapsed after attempting to make a tackle. He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated on the field.
Quick thinking from the Bills assistant athletic trainer, Denny Kellington, along with the entire training staff was truly life-changing. Jumping into action immediately is a big reason why Hamlin is alive today.
Once again, the Hamlin story has another positive moment as the entire Bills training staff will be awarded the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year's ESPYs. Their names will forever be remembered for their courageous actions during a traumatic experience.
The Pat Tillman Award for Service is awarded to "an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger."
Since his injury, Hamlin has helped kick off a nationwide initiative to bring more life-saving devices to high schools across the country. He's also using the money raised from a GoFundMe when he had initially suffered the cardiac arrest, to increase efforts for his charity.
Kellington, the one who performed the life-saving CPR, didn't speak to the media much after the incident. In fact, it wasn't until a commencement speech at his alma mater that he publicly talked about what had happened that day.
On January 2nd, by the grace of God and with years of practice and preparation, Damar Hamlin has a happy ending. He is gone on to use his platform to advocate for CPR and AEDs. He's inspiring people everywhere to understand that they can learn by standard CPR and AED use. I have no doubt that this moment caught on the world's stage is going to save many more lives. When unexpected doors open or life changes course trust that your experiences have led you there and you will be ready.
Not all heroes wear capes, and that day the heroes were standing on the sidelines, ready at a moment's notice.
Featured image via JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE / USA TODAY NETWORK
