NFL Honors: Damar Hamlin joins medical staff on stage; here is a list of award winners

PHOENIX — The stars came out during the “NFL Honors” show on Thursday, with an emotional appearance by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, a video from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and an award renamed in honor of legendary running back Jim Brown.

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And, there were plenty of awards during the show, which serves as a run-up to Super Bowl LVII on Sunday between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Singer Kelly Clarkson emceed the two-hour show, becoming the first woman to host the event.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes won his second MVP award while Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott received the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Mahomes is appearing in his third Super Bowl in four years; if Kansas City (16-3) wins Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, he will become the first NFL player to win multiple MVP awards and championships in his first six seasons, according to The Associated Press.

Prescott became the fourth Dallas player to win the Walter Payton Award, named for the late Chicago Bears running back. He joined Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman and Jason Witten.

Hamlin, 24, made his second appearance in Phoenix during Super Bowl week, joining the first responders from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who saved his life, the AP reported. The medical crew was recognized with a tribute video were recognized with a tribute video at “NFL Honors” before being invited onto the stage.

“My entire life, I felt like God was using me to give others hope and now with a new set of circumstances, I can say he’s doing what he’s always done,” Hamlin said. “I have a long journey ahead, a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones, but it’s a lot easier to face your fears when you know your purpose.”

Zelenskyy gave a video address, praising the efforts of members of the Ukrainian League of American Football on the front line of his country’s war against Russia, according to NFL.com.

Hall of Fame running backs Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders unveiled a new name for the annual rushing award, which is now named for Cleveland Browns great Jim Brown.

Here is the list of Thursday’s winners, which were announced at Symphony Hall in Phoenix.

• MVP: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
• Coach of the Year: Brian Daboll, Giants
• Comeback Player of the Year: Geno Smith, Seahawks quarterback
• Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson, Vikings wide receiver
• Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, 49ers defensive end
• Offensive Rookie of the Year: Garrett Wilson, Jets wide receiver
• AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: Sauce Gardner, Jets cornerback
• Moment of the Year: Vikings WR Justin Jefferson’s catch against the Buffalo Bills
• Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year: Dak Prescott, Cowboys quarterback
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023: Ronde Barber; Darrelle Revis; Joe Thomas; Zach Thomas; DeMarcus Ware; Don Coryell (coach/contributor); Chuck Howley (senior); Joe Klecko (senior); Ken Riley (senior)
• FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year: Joe Burrow, Bengals quarterback; Josh Jacobs, Raiders running back
• Salute to Service Award: Ron Rivera, Commanders head coach
• Celly of the Year: Bengals roller-coaster celebration in Week 18
• NFL Fan of the Year: Larry Bevans, Seahawks
• Deacon Jones Sack Leader Award: Nick Bosa, 49ers defensive end
• Assistant Coach of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, 49ers defensive coordinator
• Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award: Calais Campbell, Ravens defensive lineman
• Angry Run of the Year: Dameon Pierce, Texans running back against the Jaguars
• Jim Brown Award (Rushing Leader): Josh Jacobs, Raiders running back
• Protection Play of the Year: 49ers tight end George Kittle against the Cowboys