Damar Hamlin says that he owes assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington his life. Kellington performed CPR on the Buffalo Bills safety after he suffered cardiac arrest on the field in January. Hamlin’s injury occurred during the Bills’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football on January 2, 2023. Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle on wide receiver Tee Higgins. He stood up momentarily before passing out and falling back to the ground. Hamlin spoke about the incident during his first interview in the time since on Good Morning America. The interview, conducted by Michael Strahan, is set to air on ABC, Monday.
“I owe Denny my life, literally. 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.” Hamlin adds he’s “truly thankful” for Kellington’s live-saving work, adding, “I don’t take [it] for granted.”
Hamlin’s Interview
Hamlin also discussed the money he received to his foundation after his medical emergency with TMZ Sports. The 24-year-old says that he plans to “change the world” with the funds. Over 240k contributors donated a total of $9M to his Chasing M’s Foundation. “I’m gonna change the world,” he says. “Change the world.”
Hamlin received a standing ovation at the NFL Honors on Thursday. Addressing the response from the crowd at the event, Hamlin said: “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 added: “My vision was about playing in the NFL and being the best player I could be. But God’s plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world.” For his efforts in saving Hamlin, Kellington earned a vote for NFL MVP, leaving him ninth overall in the vote tally for the award. Patrick Mahomes ended up winning the award. Damar Hamlin’s full interview with Strahan airs Monday, Feb. 13 on Good Morning America.
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