Four-star running back Messiah Mickens urges athletes to be CPR-ready
Growing up in a Christian household, faith and love were central to Messiah Mickens upbringing.
“My bond with the Lord helps guide me,” Messiah said.
The moment he saw Damar Hamlin collapse in January 2023 during an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, the 17-year-old said it deeply affected him. Seeing sudden cardiac arrest happen in real time was surreal and made him realize how quickly things can change, reinforcing his belief in using football as a platform to help others.
“I immediately felt the need to pray for him, his family, and his loved ones,” Messiah said. “I was relieved he came out of that situation okay.”
The Trinity High School transfer had a conversation with his then coach Jordan Hill that reinforced his decision to use his football influence to help others. He met Julie Walker, founder of the Peyton Walker Foundation, and when he learned of Huddle For Hearts, he said he was immediately eager to be a part of it.
Messiah recently wrapped up his high school career at Harrisburg High School – after having recovered from an injury.
“My own experience with an injury helped me realize that setbacks can happen to anyone, which is why I feel strongly about using my platform to help others,” he said. “Knowing how it feels to be unable to play the sport you love gives me a deeper perspective.”
Messiah said he believes “every person should take the time to learn how to do CPR.”
“The average person might not know how to respond in a medical emergency,” he said. “I hope that I would be confident and able to perform under pressure. I strongly urge athletes of all ages to take the time to research Huddle for Hearts and understand how serious cardiac arrest is. It is something that can happen to any of us.”
Messiah has joined the Huddle for Hearts initiative to raise CPR awareness and educate others on how to recognize SCA symptoms. Visit Messiah’s page on HuddleforHearts.org to support his efforts and learn how athletes like him are empowering others to save lives.
