Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin vowed that his journey will continue in a surprise speech in front of first responders who helped save his life following an on-field cardiac arrest last month (You can watch Hamlins speech in the video below).

Hamlin, following an introduction from Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph , received a standing ovation and recognized medical professionals during the NFL Honors ceremony in Phoenix on Thursday.

The football player received CPR, and medical professionals used a defibrillator on him in a moment that surprised sports fans during the Bills Jan. 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals .

On Thursday, Hamlin kicked off the emotional speech by thanking God that he could even be at the ceremony as he reflected on last months medical scare.

Every day I am amazed that my experiences could encourage so many others across the country and across the world, Hamlin said.

Encourage to pray, encourage to spread love and encourage keep fighting no matter the circumstances.

Sudden cardiac arrest was nothing I would have ever chosen to have been a part of my story, but thats because sometimes our own visions are too small even when we think were seeing a bigger picture. My vision was about playing in the NFL and being the best player I could be. But Gods plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world.