2023 ESPY Awards: Damar Hamlin's emotional speech, historical winner

Los Angeles, CA – Last night at the Dolby Theater stars came dressed in their best attire for the 2023 ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award). This year’s sports-related achievement award show was hosted by Christine Williamson and Harry Lyles Jr. Wednesday night, H.E.R and Lil’ Wayne graced the stage to perform during the ESPYs.

Damar Hamlin gave an emotional speech as he awarded the Buffalo Bills Training staff with the Pat Tillman Award for Service. Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a game in January and thanks to the quick response of CPR from the training staff, they were able to revive him on the field before being transported to a local hospital.

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After the Lakers lost to Denver in the Western Conference Finals, LeBron gave off the impression he was thinking about potentially retiring, however, during his speech for winning Best Record-Breaking Performance he let it be known — he’s not done playing.

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After leading LSU to the Women’s Basketball National Title, Angel Reese was crowned as the Best Breakthrough Athlete. History was made last night as Claressa Shields became the first woman to win Best Boxer. She won the award over nominations for Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Shakur Stevenson.

Lauren Holiday also gave a powerful speech with her husband Jrue Holiday on stage with her after the two won the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.

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Here are the results for the winners:

Best Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Best WNBA Player: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Best UFC Fighter: Jon Jones

Best Comeback Athlete: Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Best Athlete, Men’s Sports: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes, ESPY Awards — Patrick Mahomes gives his speech during the 2023 ESPY Awards. Getty

Best Athlete, Women’s Sports: Mikaela Shiffrin, Skiing

Best Championship Performance: Lionel Messi, Argentina — World Cup Final

Best Boxer: Claressa Shields

ESPY Awards, Claressa Shields — Claressa Shields (middle) celebrates with her team after a victory. Getty

Best Breakthrough Athlete: Angel Reese, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball

Best Play: Justin Jefferson with the catch of the century

Best Record-Breaking Performance: LeBron James surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for NBA career scoring record

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: (L-R) LeBron James, winner of Best Record-Breaking Performance, Bronny James, Bryce James, Savannah James and Zhuri James speak onstage during The 2023 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California