Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s recovery continues to show positive signs as he remains in critical condition but progresses after having his breathing tube removed, according to a statement from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center released by the team on Saturday.
Physicians at the medical center reported, “Damar Hamlin is breathing on his own and his neurological function is excellent.”
In an Instagram post Saturday evening, Hamlin expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received: “When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much,” he wrote.
“The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung the world back together behind this. .. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me!”
The road to recovery remains long for Hamlin, as outlined by doctors from UC Medical Center on Thursday. Dr. Timothy Pritts stated, “From our standpoint, we would like to see him continue to improve, to be completely breathing on his own, and then to be ready to be discharged from the hospital.”
Damar Hamlin (Photo: NFL)
Hamlin was able to connect with his teammates during the Bills’ team meeting via Zoom on Friday. His teammates were visibly moved by his appearance, reacting with standing ovations, applause, and shouts of excitement.
The incident occurred when Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on Monday night at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. CPR was administered on the field for several minutes before he was rushed to the hospital.
Dr. William Knight IV credited the swift medical response with saving Hamlin’s life, emphasizing that a physician was at his side within a minute of his collapse.
The cause of Hamlin’s cardiac arrest has not been determined.
In honor of Hamlin, both the Bills and the NFL will pay tribute to him throughout the weekend. The Bills will feature the number “3” in their team colors on each 30-yard line, and players will wear a “3” patch on their jerseys during Sunday’s home game against the New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
“It’s going to be a celebration of life and an ongoing life,” said Bills general manager Brandon Beane. “Just a celebration that this is not only going to be a celebration in Buffalo but the whole country and I’m sure people internationally that have watched this situation.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to attend Sunday’s game in Orchard Park, underscoring the significance of the event.
