Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has thanked the man who gave him CPR while on the field in his first interview since going into cardiac arrest during a January game.
In a teaser for an upcoming interview with former NFL pro and Good Morning America co-anchor Michael Strahan, Hamlin, 24, thanks assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington, who administered CPR on him that day.
“I owe Denny my life, literally,” Hamlin says. “He loves to say he was just doing his job, which is true. That night he was literally the savior of my life, administering CPR on me,” adding that he is “truly thankful” for him.
“I don’t take [it] for granted.”
Hamlin attended the NFL Honors on Thursday and received a standing ovation after being introduced by Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph. Ralph declared she was “so proud, happy, and pleased” to welcome the young athlete to the stage, “alive and living.”
Hamlin spoke at the occasion in front of the cheering crowd, saying, “First, I would like to just thank God for even being here. Every day I’m 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.”
He went on to say that the tragic incident was not something he envisioned, “My vision was about playing in the NFL and being the best player I could be,” he continued. “But God’s plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world.”
Hamlin acknowledged the “long journey ahead” of him that is filled with “unknowns and milestones.”
“It’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose,” he said before thanking everyone for their prayers. The journey will continue.”
Hamlin’s full interview with Strahan will air Monday, Feb. 13, on Good Morning America.
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