The Carolina Panthers now have themselves a literal life-saver.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the team has hired Buffalo Bills associate athletic trainer Denny Kellington as their vice president of player health and performance. Kellington has been credited with helping save the life of safety Damar Hamlin—who experienced an episode of commotio cordis, a rare disruption of heart rhythm, during a Monday night game on Jan. 2, 2023.
Hamlin collapsed on the field following a tackle of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Kellington would then provide immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a motionless Hamlin, a decision that proved to be a critical one.
Kellington spoke about the moment while giving the commencement address at his alma mater of Oklahoma State University later that spring.
“I was not a hero on January 2nd, I was ready,” he stated. “I was ready because I dedicated my life to this work and because I had the support of my friends, my family, and my mentors.”
Kellington received a fifth-place vote for the AP’s Most Valuable Player Award at the end of the season.