American tennis star Jessica Pegula took a moment to give recognition to “hero” Denny Kellington, the athletic trainer whose quick reaction restored Damar Hamlin’s heartbeat and ultimately saved his life. Pegula’s father, Terry Pegula, owns the Buffalo Bills.
On Monday Night Football, Bills safety Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and collapsed. Bills athletic trainer Kellington administered life-saving CPR to Hamlin, whose heartbeat was restored before being transported to a hospital.
“One hero who should be recognized here: Last night, I was told the work of Bills assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington in administering CPR to Damar Hamlin on Monday was absolutely vital. The speed and skill with which he and others reacted = A huge difference.” -maker,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote on Twitter.
Pegula shared Breer’s tweet on her Instagram Story with a caption: “This matters so much. Hero.”
Pegula felt ‘sick’ after seeing the Hamlin scene
While the Bills were playing the Cincinnati Bengals, Pegula was supporting United Cup teammate Frances Tiafoe.
While supporting Tiafoe, Pegula had the Bills and Bengals game turned on her phone. After seeing Hamlin collapsing on the field, Pegula felt extremely bad. I felt sick. It was just terrible. I think everyone felt that way that was watching,” Pegula said.
After Hamlin was transported to a hospital and his condition was listed as critical, Pegula took a moment to express her prayers and support to Hamlin and his family. In moments like this we are reminded of perspective.
It’s just a game and in the end it does not matter after what happened tonight. My prayers go out to Damar and his family. This team is family, football is family, sports bring us together like family,” Pegula wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Pegula started her 2023 season with a bang. On Friday, Pegula dismantled world No 1 Iga Swiatek with a 6-2 6-2 score at the United Cup.