When paramedics entered the fray to save Asphalt Hamlin’s life Buffalo Bills Defensive Backs collapsed during a game last month in Cincinnati, many who witnessed the horrifying scene did only what they could to help. He prayed.
Players and coaches of both the teams knelt down, held hands and cried out to God to heal their fallen brother with tears in their eyes.
Fans inside the stadium and millions of viewers watching at home did the same, sharing and posting their prayers on social media. In a moment of fear and desperation, prayer took center stage in the NFL.
In the next few days, #PrayForDamar was trending. Hamlin’s family and friends requested more prayers during his hospitalization and after his release. faith was at the forefront Praying on the field in the NFL was referred to as Tebowing for the first time.
Asphalt Hamlin’s ‘miraculous recovery’ brings prayer back to the NFL
Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills was taken to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest due to a tackle by Ty Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. On January 3, 2023, a vigil was set up at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center after many prayed for his recovery. (Dylan Buell / Getty Images)
“They were impressed because they were seeing themselves,” Philadelphia Eagles chaplain Ted Winsley told The Associated Press. “They were slapped in the face with the reality of what it was. Dummer was in that position but that could have been me. They felt for him but it reminded them it was life or death. … And then it also causes you to understand the fact that there’s someone bigger than me that I have to count on.”
Clark Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has established a Christ Centered Pleased to see the culture in the organization, emphasis on prayer during difficult times.
“We’re very pleased to see Asphalt doing well and it was very comforting to see a huge outpouring of support for them and people turning to God in a very scary time,” Hunt told the AP. “One of the things I’ve really enjoyed about being involved with the NFL is that in all the locker rooms I’ve been in, God is always there. The players pray before games, they pray after games. . So it wasn’t unusual. In that regard but I think you saw more fans, more media recognized the importance of prayer in a situation like that.”
Hamlin believes his pain had a greater purpose.
“What happened to me… this is a direct example of God using me as a vessel to share my passion and my love straight from my heart with the whole world,” Hamlin said in a video. Am.”
Dummer Hamlin ‘will play professional football again,’ NFLPA medical director says
Damar Hamlin watching Bill from his hospital bed. (Credit: @HamlinIsland / SPORTS REPORT+ /TMX)
Public display of faith is nothing new football or sports, It started long before Tim Tebow and is part of every game.
The late Herb Lusk is believed to be the first NFL player to pray on the field. Lusk was the used tailback for the Eagles when he ran 70 yards for a touchdown against the New York Giants on October 9, 1977.
Lusk had already scored on a 1-yard run earlier in that game. After his second score, he knelt in the end zone and prayed.
“I said, ‘Thank you, Jesus,'” Lusk recalled years later. “And then I said to myself, ‘It’s about time.'”
Lusk never scored another touchdown and quit playing after two years to pursue ministry. Pastor Lusk led Greater Exodus Baptist Church in Philadelphia for 40 years, until his death last September at age 69. Lusk also served as chaplain to Eagles coaches for nearly 17 years. Winsley, who has been the players’ chaplain for more than 20 years, now fills both roles.
Hamlin’s recovery brought a spiritual awakening among his comrades. In Buffalo’s first game following the incident, Nyheim Hines returned two kickoffs for TDs. This had a profound effect on Bills star quarterback Josh Allen.
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Damar Hamlin and the Buffalo Bills play against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium on September 19, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. Since Hamlin’s recovery from cardiac arrest in January 2023, he has expressed how his injury can be used to show faith in God and love for his sport. (Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)
“I was just going over to my teammates and saying, ‘God’s real,'” Allen said of his reaction when Hines scored.
The players understand that God has no roots, but they find comfort in feeling His presence in that moment.
Many players struggle with success and failure. For some it is difficult to deal with temptations off the field. When it’s over, making the transition to life after football isn’t easy. The team chaplain tries to help the players better handle whatever comes their way, positive and negative.
“My main message is helping athletes realize that their life is more than their sport,” Denver Broncos chaplain Reza Zadeh told the AP. “The game is what they do. It is not who they are. A football player is simply what their profession is, but it is not who they are.”
Hall of Fame defensive lineman Reggie White – a former Eagles, Packers and Panthers player known as the “Minister of Defense” – is credited with starting the postgame prayer circle at midfield in the 1980s. Now, it is common for players to come together, hold hands, and pray shortly after spending three hours playing and tackling each other.
Tebow told the AP, “Whether winning or losing, or good or bad, it’s got to be honoring God, that he’ll get the glory and it’s about him, not about me.”
The Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars NFL teams pray on the field for Buffalo Bills safety Damor Hamlin before the game, January 7, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
That was ensured last month after Jaguars kicker Riley Patterson kicked the game-winning field goal to seal Jacksonville’s 31-30 comeback win over the Chargers in the AFC wild-card game.
Patterson held his cross necklace in front of the cameras while teammates lifted him on their shoulders.
Patterson said on the AP Pro Football Podcast, “I was making sure that not me, but they get the glory for any action I take here.” “Everything I’ve done or my family will do is nothing but a gift from God. … I’ve prayed many times that if I ever get into that situation, I’ll be able to serve God with my actions and my words.” I will praise.”
Winsley was part of a unique team in 2017 with a strong trust culture. The Eagles had won the first. Super Bowl in franchise history that season. The foundation for the team’s success was built by men of faith such as Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, Carson Wentz, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton, Jordan Hicks and others.
Winsley and Burton baptized players in a cold tub at the team’s practice facility in 2016. Through weekly Bible study, a close-knit group of men bond over their faith and overcome much adversity on their way to a championship.
These Eagles (16-3) are one win away from another Super Bowl title. On Sunday, they will face the Kansas City Chiefs (16-3).
Winsley has watched him grow and develop in his journey of faith throughout the years. Eagles coach Nick Siriani is a steady presence at the weekly sessions for the coaches.
Winsley said, “We’re just brothers trying to be better human beings and it’s creating a culture that I’m sure will last.”
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Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, a finalist for AP NFL MVPCited his favorite Bible verse when answering a question about criticism after leading the team to a 31-7 victory over San Francisco in the NFC Championship.
“It was a big surprise to a lot of people,” Hurts said about the Eagles drafting him in 2020. Don’t know now but later you will understand. Hope people understand.”