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<p>Buffalo Bills player <a href="https://dev.theshaderoom.com/update-damar-hamlin-speaks-out-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damar Hamlin</a> is walking his road to recovery after suffering from cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January. However, Hamlin is not taking all the praise for his return to health. And is shining a massive spotlight on the medical team that saved his life.</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Damar Hamlin Thanked His Medical Team At The NFL Honors</h3>
<p>The annual <a href="https://www.nfl.com/honors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NFL Honors</a> award ceremony typically recognizes the league&#8217;s best players and performances. However, this year&#8217;s award ceremony highlighted the extraordinary medical team that saved the 24-year-old&#8217;s life.</p>
<p>Actor Sheryl Lee Ralph introduced Damar Hamlin and the group of first responders to the crowd of at-home viewers and in-house celebrity and NFL guests. The crowd welcomed the group with a standing ovation. Then Hamlin took the microphone.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-8" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html">First I would like to just thank God for even being here&#8230; Sudden cardiac arrest was nothing I would&#8217;ve ever chosen to be a part of my story. But that&#8217;s because sometimes, our own visions are too small&#8230; My vision was about playing in the NFL and being the best player I could be.</p>
<p id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-10" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html">But God&#8217;s plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Hamlin continued by saying that he has a &#8220;long journey ahead.&#8221; And added that it will be filled with &#8220;unknowns&#8221; and &#8220;milestones.&#8221;</p>
<blockquote><p>But it&#8217;s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.</p></blockquote>
<p>Hamlin went on to recount his interaction with a hospital doctor who had a similar medical experience. And how it impacted his life.</p>
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<p>The 24-year-old thanked the first responders, who stood around him as he spoke. And pulled them all together for a group embrace.</p>
<blockquote><p>I want to give a special thank you to everyone on this stage for everything they did for me. And thank you to everyone around the world who prayed for me and hoped for me. The journey will continue.</p></blockquote>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Hamlin&#8217;s Charity Efforts &; Progression Since Being Released From The Hospital</h3>
<p>As reported by <a href="https://people.com/sports/damar-hamlin-guaranteed-to-return-to-the-field-says-nfl-players-union-doctor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PEOPLE</a>, Hamlin is expected to return to the field soon. Dr. Thom Mayer, the medical director of the NFL Players Association, gave NFL fans a special update regarding Hamlin&#8217;s future while appearing on a SiriusXM radio show.</p>
<blockquote><p>I don&#8217;t want to get into HIPAA issues, but I guarantee you that Damar Hamlin will play professional football again.</p></blockquote>
<p>Since ending his 3-week hospitalization, Hamlin has gone on to partner with the American Heart Association. And created the <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/damar-hamlins-3-for-heart-cpr-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>&#8220;3 For Heart&#8221;</strong></a> challenge, as reported by <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2023/01/31/damar-hamlin-partners-american-heart-association-promote-cpr-training/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TMZ</a>. The Buffalo Bills player announced the partnership via Instagram.</p>
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<p>As <a href="https://dev.theshaderoom.com/damar-hamlin-remains-in-critical-condition-after-cardiac-arrest-during-bills-vs-bengals-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Shade Room</a> previously reported, Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during a Buffalo Bills v. Cincinnati Bengals game in January. Hamlin was given CPR and then rushed to the UC Medical Center. From there, he was transferred to a Buffalo facility for further treatment and released after three weeks. Hamlin has since expressed tremendous gratitude for those who helped him through the life-changing experience.</p>
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