Ben Watson: Damar Hamlin’s Accident Is a Reminder of God’s Promise of Eternal Life
By Movieguide® Contributor
Former NFL star and author Benjamin Watson is weighing in on Damar Hamlin’s terrifying medical emergency and reminding us that God promises us eternal life.
CNN anchor Anderson Cooper started the conversation, saying, “To me, it’s such a reminder, not only of the violence of … the game of football, but it’s the frailty of human life, that somebody in their prime, an incredible athlete at the top of their game, life can change in the blink of an eye, and you know, and it can for all of us.”
Watson agreed, saying that times like these bring us “face to face with our own mortality.”
“We all have a day to be born, and we all have a day to die,” he went on. “And so often, in the in-between those two points, we feel invincible – whether you’re a professional athlete, whether you’re at the top of your profession, whether you’re feeling healthy, you understand that sometimes there’s a reminder that, ‘Hey, all of us have an appointment with death.’ But I think after that, it also makes us realize, ‘Where are we? Where do our hearts stand?’ If that were to be us laying on the field or that were to be us laying in the hospital, what would our next steps be?”
While Hamlin’s accident was tragic, Watson says he thinks there is some good to be found in the situation.
“Part of my prayers right now, Anderson, is for the players in both of those locker rooms, for the chaplains who I know very well who are right now, counseling and comforting players who saw a brother in a near-death experience and who was still fighting for his life,” Watson explained.
He continued, “Because the questions about what happens after this life – where will you spend eternity? – as you mentioned, Anderson, are coming up for all of us, not just for the football players. But thank God that He provides an answer through His Son Jesus Christ.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Hamlin’s accident:
People from around the world have gathered to pray for Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, who went into cardiac arrest mid-game on Monday.
“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition,” the Bills tweetedshortly after midnight on January 3.
Hamlin’s family said they will share updates on the 24-year-old “as soon as we have them,” and thanked fans and medical personnel for their support.
“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time,” they said in the statement, which was shared by Hamlin’s friend and marketing rep Jordan Rooney. “We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words and donations from fans around the country.”
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