Less than six weeks after suffering a cardiac arrest on national television, Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin on Thursday walked onto a stage and told a cheering crowd that his brush with death was part of God's plan for his life.

Hamlin appeared in person at the 12th annual NFL Honors Awards show, standing in front of the first responders and medical personnel who helped save his life.

"I would like to just thank God for even being here," Hamlin said as he began a two-minute speech. "Every day, I am amazed that my experiences could encourage so many others across the country and even across the world — encouraged to pray, encouraged to spread love, and encouraged to keep fighting, no matter the circumstances."

Hamlin, 24, fell backward on the field Jan. 2 after taking a blow to the chest while making a tackle in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Medical personnel performed CPR to revive him. The game was suspended.

At the time, many television viewers feared he had died.

"Sudden cardiac arrest was nothing I would have ever chosen to be a part of my story," Hamlin said Thursday. "But that's because sometimes our own visions are too small, even when we think we're seeing the bigger picture. My vision was about playing in the NFL and being the best player that I could be. But God's plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world."

Hamlin referenced his faith multiple times during the speech.

"My entire life, I felt like God was using me to give others hope," Hamlin said. "And now with a new set of circumstances, I can only say He's doing what He's always done. I have a long journey ahead — a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones. But it's a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose."

He recounted a story from his time in the hospital when a male doctor said that he, too, had had a similar experience and survived.

"That meant so much to me," Hamlin said. "There was so much uncertainty at the time, and just him coming to me [and] showing that I could live a normal life again, it meant so much to me in the moment. So I want to give a big thank-you to him and a special thank-you to everyone on this stage for everything they did for me. And thank-you everyone around the country and around the world who prayed for me and hoped for me. The journey will continue."

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