Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was discharged from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Monday after spending nearly a week recovering from his cardiac arrest on the field at Paycor Stadium.
Dr. William Knight IV and Dr. Timothy Pritts of UC Health, who were overseeing Hamlin’s care and authorized to provide updates by his family, shared the news.
Hamlin traveled from Cincinnati to Buffalo on Monday and has been admitted to Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute for ongoing treatment as he continues his recovery.
“He is currently in stable condition and continues to make significant progress,” the hospital stated. “The decision to transfer him to Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute was to facilitate further evaluation, recovery, and eventual discharge and rehabilitation closer to his home.”
According to doctors at UC Health, Hamlin has achieved several milestones in his recovery process, including engaging in physical and occupational therapy, walking independently within the unit, and tolerating a regular diet.
“Grateful for the amazing care I received at UCMC,” Hamlin tweeted. “Happy to be back in Buffalo. The doctors and nurses at Buffalo General have already made me feel at home!”
The medical team at UC Health expressed their excitement about Hamlin’s progress. Since having his breathing tube removed last week, Hamlin has been gradually improving.
He was initially in the hospital’s surgical intensive care unit until meeting the criteria for his condition to be upgraded from critical to either fair or good.
“On Monday morning, he met those criteria, and we felt it was safe and appropriate to transfer him back to Buffalo,” said Pritts, emphasizing the medical benchmarks Hamlin needed to meet.
Damar Hamlin (Photo: Buffalo Bills)
“He no longer requires intensive nursing care or respiratory therapy from our team. He is stable and can continue his recovery in a less intensive setting.”
Hamlin will undergo further tests and evaluations to determine the cause of the incident and address any underlying issues. Pritts noted that recovery from such an event typically spans weeks to months, with Hamlin showing progress ahead of the expected timeline.
“He still has some way to go in his ongoing recovery,” added Knight. “We’re very pleased with his current status. He’s up and about, displaying his trademark sense of humor.”
Upon his arrival in Buffalo, Hamlin received visits from Bills coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane, along with head athletic trainer Nate Breske and assistant athletic trainer Tabani Richards, who have been supporting him throughout his hospitalization.
“He’s doing well, a bit tired, but it was good to see him in person after some time,” McDermott commented. “He seems happy to be back in familiar surroundings in Buffalo, taking things one step at a time.”
Hamlin collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals last Monday night, prompting immediate medical attention and the game’s eventual cancellation.
In their first game since the incident, the Bills defeated the New England Patriots on Sunday, with the team rallying around Hamlin. Players wore jerseys adorned with “3” patches, and the Bills’ medical and athletic training staff were honored before the game.
Throughout the stadium, fans showed support for Hamlin with signs, while players frequently gestured with three fingers during the game.
Reflecting on Hamlin’s reaction to the game, Pritts shared an uplifting moment: “He watched the game yesterday.
When the opening kickoff was returned for 96 yards, he got so excited that he jumped out of his chair and set off every alarm in the ICU. It was a fitting reaction to such an exhilarating play, and he truly appreciates the support from everyone.”
