Hamlin’s devastation is “significantly” progressing and he speaks to doctors and his family after having his breathing tube removed overnight, Buffalo bills announce.
“His neurological function remains intact and he’s been able to talk to his family and care team,” the NFL team said Friday, citing an update from its doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
The Bills also said on social media that the 24-year-old safety showed up at their team meeting on Friday via FaceTime to talk with players and coaches.
“To see Damar with my own eyes, to see the reaction in the room with the players, the coaching staff … they stood up and applauded him,” Bills coach Sean McDermott told the media on Friday. It wasn’t a long interaction, but he made a heart symbol, and said, ‘I love you boys.'”
Hamlin collapsed after a tackle in the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, as he went into cardiac arrest. He had to regain his heartbeat on the field in a scene that stunned his fellow players, coaches and millions of fans NFL fans.
Doctors said Thursday that Hamlin has “showed signs of good neurological recovery” but that it is too early to comment on his long-term medical prognosis.
The frightening incident led to an enormous outpouring of support from the fans and the wider football community. Donations to Hamlin’s December 2020 online fundraiser have skyrocketed, raising more than $7.8 million as of Friday.
An update Thursday from doctors said Hamlin had requested in writing Who won the game on Monday. Their response was “Damar, you’ve won — you’ve won the game of life,” said Dr. Timothy Britts. “It’s not just that the lights are on — he’s home,” said Brits. “It seems like all cylinders are firing inside his brain, which is very gratifying.”
An emotional Bills quarterback, Josh Allen, told reporters Thursday of receiving word that their teammate was awake and thinking about him. “His dad said the first thing he’d ask when he got up was who won the game,” Allen said. “Sure enough, that’s what he did.”
The NFL said Thursday that the game between the Bills and the Bengals, which was abandoned, will not resume or be replayed, with both teams poised to make an impact in the playoffs. The Bills are set to play the New England Patriots as the regular season ends Sunday, having already secured a playoff spot.
The Bills, Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs are still in contention to be the top seed in the AFC. The NFL Competition Commission has identified possible plans The AFC Championship match will be played at a neutral venue If necessary, with the owners giving their approval of the plans on Friday.
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