The members of the buffalo bills and the staff of the Cincinnati Bengals were recognized during Thursday night’s NFL Honors Show in Phoenix for their heroic acts in helping save the life of second-year safety Damar Hamlin after he collapsed on the field from a cardiac arrest during a week 17 matchup at Highmark Stadium.
However, one coach in particular, Denny Kellington, received special recognition as the Bills assistant athletic trainer who performed CPR. in hamlin while he was in the field.
Buffalo Bills coach Denny Kellington walks onto the field before a game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
According to Rob Maaddi of The Associated Press, Kellington received a yes vote. NFL MVP from veteran ESPN reporter Suzy Kolber, who said her vote was a «symbolic gesture representing ‘everyone’ who carries the weight of that work, every week. They rarely get the recognition they deserve.»
BILLS’ DAMAR HAMLIN GIVES EMOTIONAL SPEECH AT NFL HONORS
The AP announced in November that the MVP award, which is voted on by a national panel of 50 sportswriters who cover the league, would be based on each voter’s top five picks.
Kellington received a fifth-place vote under the new AP voting system.
Buffalo Bills coach Denny Kellington on the field before a game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
Bills head coach Sean McDermott praised Kellington during a news conference early last month, calling him a «true hero.»
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«For an assistant to find himself in that position and need to take the action that he did and step up and take over like he did, and there were others on the field as well, it’s incredible.»
He continued: «You talk about a true leader, a true hero, who saved Damar’s life – I just admire his strength.»
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Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills speaks in front of staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center during the NFL awards ceremony before a Super Bowl LVII football game, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Hamlin appeared on stage Thursday night to give his special thanks.
«Every day I am amazed that my experiences can encourage so many others across the country and around the world,» Hamlin said. “Be encouraged to pray, be encouraged to spread the love, and be encouraged to keep fighting no matter the circumstances.”