In a remarkable turn of events, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been named one of three finalists for the prestigious Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award at the 2026 ESPYs. This accolade, presented annually since 2013, honors athletes who embody the spirit of humanitarianism, much like the legendary Muhammad Ali.
Hamlin’s journey to this nomination is nothing short of extraordinary. After surviving a cardiac arrest during an NFL game, he has transformed his personal tragedy into a mission to advance CPR education expand AED access and inspire a national movement around emergency preparedness and public health.
From Tragedy to Triumph: Hamlin’s Humanitarian Mission
Through his Chasing M’s Foundation Hamlin has become a leading advocate for cardiac emergency preparedness and youth empowerment. Under his leadership, the foundation has achieved remarkable milestones, including providing CPR education to millions, donating over $1 million worth of AEDs to schools and youth-serving organizations, and supporting legislative efforts that have advanced critical cardiac emergency response policies across 29 states.
Beyond his work in health advocacy, Hamlin’s foundation has contributed over $1 million through scholarships, mentorship programs, violence prevention initiatives, and grants to community programs. His ultimate vision is to establish a Youth Empowerment Center in his hometown, a first-of-its-kind hub where young people and families can learn, heal, grow, and thrive, fostering a stronger and safer community.
The ESPYs: Celebrating Excellence in Sports and Humanitarianism
The ESPYs, or Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly awards, produced by ESPN since 1993, recognize outstanding achievements in sports. This year’s show, hosted by Marcello Hernandez from Saturday Night Live marks the first time the event will be held in New York City since 1999. The ceremony will take place at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 airing live on ABC at 8 p.m.
Fans can vote for their favorite athletes and achievements across various categories. Voting is already open through ESPN and will close on the night of the ceremony. This year’s nominees include a diverse range of athletes from different sports, highlighting their exceptional performances and contributions.
Notable Florida Nominees
Florida has a strong presence in this year’s ESPYs nominations, with five athletes representing the state. Among them are Lionel Messi the star of Inter Miami CF who has achieved numerous accolades, including the MLS MVP and MLS Golden Boot in 2026. Nikita Kucherov a key player for the Tampa Bay Lightning has led his team to two Stanley Cups and earned multiple NHL All-Star selections.
Other notable nominees from Florida include Nelly Korda the world’s top-ranked women’s golfer, Cameron Boozer the consensus national player of the year in college basketball, and Bam Adebayo the star center of the Miami Heat who recently scored 83 points in a single game, surpassing Kobe Bryant‘s record.
Hamlin’s Impact Beyond Football
Damar Hamlin’s impact extends far beyond the football field. His humanitarian work reflects resilience, purpose, and a commitment to service. By transforming adversity into a mission to save lives and strengthen communities, Hamlin continues to inspire others to make a difference. His legacy is one that will benefit future generations, embodying the true spirit of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award.
The winner of this year’s award will be announced during the 2026 ESPYs on July 15. For more information, visit /espys/.
