Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills defenseman who needed emergency care last January when he collapsed on the football field due to cardiac arrest, is paying tribute to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center staff by establishing a scholarship program for the youth of Cincinnati, CBS News reports.

The Chasing M's Foundation, Hamlin's charity, will be awarding $1,000 scholarships to 10 individuals” in underserved communities in Cincinnati for each of the next three years,” and each scholarship will be named after “the 10 first-responders, nurses, and doctors who treated Hamlin after he suffered a cardiac arrest mid-game last season.” Also, the charity has pledged $10,000 per year over the next three years to underwrite the initiative.

In a tweet on Sunday (Nov.5),  Hamlin announced that surprised the medical professionals with a scholarship for Cincinnati youth during a dinner he had with them.

"Last night I had dinner with my heroes. 10 of the UC Medical Staff that helped save my life," Hamlin’s tweet read."I surprised them with a scholarship named after each of them that will support youth in Cincy to chase their dreams. Wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them."

I'm humbled by the opportunity to set up a scholarship program to honor this team of professionals — my Cincinnati heroes — who helped save my life," Hamlin said in an official statement. "Today, as I look at honoring these Cincinnati heroes and lifting up young people who are trying to find their way, I'm reminded of the enormous blessing I've been given through my charity and the generosity of people around the world.”

Hamlin’s return to Cincinnati for the Bills’ game on Sunday (Nov. 5)  was his first appearance there since his medical emergency in January.

In what seemed like a routine football play during a Jan. 2 game against Cincinnati, Hamlin tackled Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter of the game.  He was struck on the chest by Higgins's helmet. Following the hit, Hamlin got up but fell back down to the ground just a few seconds later lying on the field motionless.

Seeing the frightening scene, medical professionals rushed to deliver CPR  for almost 10 minutes after Hamiln went into cardiac arrest and he was resuscitated on the field.  Eventually, he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Following the incident, the NFL office postponed the game as both coaches took their teams off the field.

Three days after being carted off the field, the Buffalo Bills announced that Hamlin was making tremendous progress and he was released from the hospital. In April 2023, Hamil was cleared by doctors to return to the Bills.

As the Bills prepared to take on the Bengals on Sunday, Hamlin ran onto the field and greeted Higgins and several of the Bengals players.