When Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle on Monday night, the quick response from the trainers and medical professionals at the game was essential in saving Hamlin’s life.
And as Hamlin’s recovery continued to progress throughout the week, Bills head coach Sean McDermott and several players made a point to recognize assistant trainer Denny Kellington for his role in saving Hamlin. Kellington was the one who performed CPR on Hamlin for those nine minutes on the field. And come Sunday, Bills receiver John Brown showed special appreciation for Kellington.
Brown made a sensational touchdown grab during the Week 18 game against the Patriots, and the CBS broadcast would capture Brown giving the ball to Kellington on the sidelines.
John Brown gave his touchdown ball to Denny Kellington, the @BuffaloBills assistant athletic trainer, who administered CPR to Damar Hamlin. #ForDamar pic.twitter.com/XJrvD4tEFK
— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2023
Allow John Brown to reintroduce himself 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/tzDXzW7nKt
— Buffalo Fanatics (@BfloFanatics) January 8, 2023
In a game that had its share of touching moments, that gesture from Brown certainly caught the attention of NFL fans.
This was how Twitter reacted
The bills just refuse to let me put down the tissues this week. https://t.co/Gn96w9te1r
— Krista Garvin (@Kristaanngarvin) January 8, 2023
Yep, this one got me 🥺 https://t.co/i6n3zAWIno
— Kelsey Cadden (@kelseycadden) January 8, 2023
Gotta love it. Former @GorillasFB receiver John Brown paying his respects to Denny Kellington. 👏🏼 #ForDamar https://t.co/x8lANZHqCp
— Max Preston (@MaxPrestonTV) January 8, 2023
Heartwarming gesture by @BuffaloBills #JohnBrown ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/OVuhIA4PKb
— Galean Stewart (@galeanTV) January 8, 2023
Respect for sure. 🤘🏻 https://t.co/AWX7wCPLAc
— Bryan Wilson (@OneAngryMedic) January 8, 2023
I can only cry so many tears Buffalo https://t.co/VU1hE0v09Q
— Cowboys Nation (@CowboysNation) January 8, 2023
How great is this? https://t.co/jDssRxvXpg
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) January 8, 2023
Nice gesture by John Brown. #Smokey https://t.co/69qvtDNFUA
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) January 8, 2023
Literally all the Bills content is so great and so pure and I love it. https://t.co/iATaoKGnWx
— Evan Sowards (@EvanSowards) January 8, 2023