WATCH: ESPYs cameraman bizarrely focuses on Damar Hamlin when Steve Gleason mentioned ‘death’ in his speech

On Thursday, Steve Gleason was given the Arthur Ashe award and while giving his speech, the former Saints players spoke about death and the cameraman instantly panned the camera to Damar Hamlin.

WATCH: ESPYs cameraman bizarrely focuses on Damar Hamlin when Steve Gleason mentioned ‘death’ in his speech

L- Damar Hamlin at ESPYs 2024; R- Steve Gleason (Image via IMAGO)

Damar Hamlin can’t stop catching strays. The Buffalo Bill safety sat through an awkward moment while attending the ESPYs at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason came on stage accompanied by his son. The jury selected Gleason, diagnosed with progressive neurodegenerative disease, for the 2024 Arthur Ashe Award to those athletes who ‘reflect the spirit of Arthur Ashe and possess strength, courage, and willingness to stand up for their beliefs in the face of adversity.’

Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees presented Gleason with the award. The pair were teammates at the Saints in the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

After receiving the award, Gleason gave a four-minute speech that began by thanking Brees. The 47-year-old spoke about his journey at length and thanked the people around him who stood by him during his time of need.

We’re able to understand the issue and compassionately collaborate [with each other] to solve problems and overcome fear. Without the understanding and compassionate support from my family, community, and caregivers, I'd have been dead years ago.
Steve Gleason said (H/T: NOLA.com)

When Gleason mentioned death, the cameraman inside the venue pointed at Bills’ safety, Damar Hamlin, patiently sitting in his seat and listening.

Damar Hamlin was fighting for his life last year

During the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023, Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest. Quick thinking from the medical team to apply CPR to the 26-year-old saved his life.

WATCH: ESPYS cameraman bizarrely focuses on Damar Hamlin when Steve Gleason mentioned 'death' in his speech
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (Image via IMAGO)

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow recently recounted the week when Hamlin was in the hospital.

It was definitely weird. It got late in that week and I was like ‘We’re playing football? Still?’ ... It was definitely a challenge. But fortunately, he was all good.
Joe Burrow said while appearing on Pardon My Take

Following a lengthy stint in rehab, Hamlin made it his life goal to make people aware of the benefits of learning CPR. At last year’s ESPY, Hamlin presented the Pat Tillman award to the medical crew for saving his life.

Burrow added that he was glad to see Hamlin back playing football.

He’s [Damar Hamlin] doing his thing now. I’ve seen him at all these events and I’m always happy to see him because he’s a great guy. But it was a scary moment for sure.
Joe Burrow added

Despite making headlines, Hamin rarely featured for the Bills in the 2023 season. Micah Hyde played most of the games, and he only made a few substitute appearances, recording just two tackles.

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