Bills: Damar Hamlin stole the show on NFL’s big night
Damar Hamlin took the stage at the NFL Honors ceremony as he was received with a standing ovation and an introduction that included three words that at some point were far from a guarantee for the Buffalo Bills safety: Alive and living! It's not been that long since we weren't sure we were going to be […]
Damar Hamlin took the stage at the NFL Honors ceremony as he was received with a standing ovation and an introduction that included three words that at some point were far from a guarantee for the Buffalo Bills safety: Alive and living!
It's not been that long since we weren't sure we were going to be able to say that about Damar, who has become one of the most impactful persons in the sport. That much was evident as Hamlin stepped up to the microphone.
"First off I want to thank God for even being here," said Hamlin as the doctors who helped save his life stood behind him on stage. "Every day I'm amazed that my experience is putting encouraging so many others across the country and even around the world."
Talking directly to the NFL's elite and fans watching around the world, Hamlin delivered one of the most powerful lines of the night:
"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," added the Bills safety, now a figure bigger than sports. "But God's plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world."
You can watch Damar Hamlin's full speech in the tweet above.
What's next for Hamlin and the Bills?
Hamlin closed his brief but strong statements by saying that "the journey will continue." What that means exactly for his playing career remains to be seen. NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer guaranteed he will play again but the Bills safety himself has yet to announce anything official.
But one big thing is clear following Damar's life-changing experience: It opened up his vision and whether he laces up those cleats again or not, he'll keep making a huge impact in his community and beyond.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
