Bills' Damar Hamlin Named 2023 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award Winner

The NFL Players Association announced on Wednesday that Buffalo Bills' defensive back Damar Hamlin has been named the 2023 Alan Page Community Award winner.

The award is given annually to a player "who goes above and beyond to perform community service in his team city and/or hometown," per the NFLPA.

The other finalists for the award were New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones, Washington Commanders offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr., Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White.

Each of the five finalists received $10,000 to award to the charity of their choice, with Hamlin receiving an additional $100,000 for his chosen charity.

Hamlin was in attendance to receive the award during the ceremony at the Phoenix Convention Center.

"Giving back to my community has always been a big part of who I am," he said. "I'm thankful to my father, who's right here behind me. Growing up, just watching him do community days in our community and I just always was waiting on my time when it came."

"He is not only an individual who has overcome a tremendous amount, he's not only a person who reminds us just how dangerous this game is, but also the spirit, the love, the joy, the fraternity of people who play this game," NFLPA executive director Demaurice Smith added.

Hamlin, who collapsed on the field after suffering cardiac arrest during a Jan. 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and had to be resuscitated before being taken to the hospital, raised over $9 million for his Chasing M's Foundation in the wake of his injury.

He remained hospitalized for nine days before being discharged on Jan. 11.

"One of my favorite quotes: It's a blessing to be a blessing," Hamlin said Wednesday. "With that being said, I plan to never take this position for granted and always have an urgent approach in making difference in the community where I come from and also communities across the world."