Bills DB Damar Hamlin Named 2023 Halas Award Winner by PFWA

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has won the George Halas Award, which honors the player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity in a given season.

Ahead of a 2023 season that will likely see his return to the field, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is being recognized once again.

Hamlin has been named the 2023 George Halas Award winner by the Pro Football Writers of America, per an announcement Monday. The award is given to the player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity in a given season.

Per PFWA, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. were the other finalists for the award.

After nearly dying on the field in January to being fully cleared last month, Hamlin has certainly embodied what it means to overcome adversity and beat the odds.

"I died on national TV in front of the world ... (and) to see the world see the good that I was trying to do even before the notoriety, for that to be acknowledged, it was just a wonderful feeling,'' Hamlin said on April 18. "I plan to save a generation and generations to come."

Hamlin revealed he suffered from Commotio Cordis during the first quarter of Buffalo's game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2 and intends to bring awareness to that illness issue.

Before being cleared last month, Hamlin had shown that his miraculous recovery has been in the works for some time. From raising awareness about CPR education to visiting the White House to support legislation about similar areas of conversation, he's been using his sudden fame for good.

Now, Hamlin seems well on his way to making a triumphant return this fall.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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