In the days since Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed from cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, we've received positive update after positive update, turning this potential horror story into one of incredible recovery.
The latest update Friday morning revealed that Hamlin talked to his teammates via FaceTime for the first time, saying "love you boys" after his breathing tube was removed overnight, according to the Bills. It's clear Hamlin is appreciative of all the love and support he's received.
Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches.
What he said to the team: ?Love you boys.? ?? pic.twitter.com/8dorrWNaxt
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023
This is amazing: For the first time, #Bills S Damar Hamlin is addressing the team via Facetime. The breathing tube is out, and he?s spent the morning speaking to various teammates on Facetime. Now, he?s delivering a message to the entire group, I?m told.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2023
"He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery. His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team," the team tweeted Friday morning.
Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar?s breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery.
His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023
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Before doctors removed the breathing tube, the 24-year-old safety was moving his hands and feet and was neurologically intact, authorities said. He asked who won the game against the Bengals via writing, to which doctors at the UC Medical Center replied, "Yes, you've won. You've won the game of life."
In an update Thursday, he reportedly was holding the hands of his family at the hospital while still in critical condition. The team also said his lungs were continuing to heal, which is remarkable considering medical staff performed CPR reportedly for nine minutes after Hamlin lost his pulse following his collapse after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.
"Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours," the Bills tweeted Thursday. "While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress."
Hamlin's progress continues to be amazing with each and every update. The sports world and beyond have come together to support him and his family, as evidenced by the nearly $8 million donated to his charity toy drive this week.
While the Bills' game against the Bengals has been canceled and won't be resumed, Hamlin will no doubt be watching his team take on the Patriots this Sunday. Team members will be wearing a special "3" patch on their jerseys to honor Hamlin's number.
We'll be wearing a special "3" patch on Sunday for our guy @HamlinIsland.
There will be a number of tributes for Damar Hamlin across the NFL during Week 18: https://t.co/YhD5s9k2jx pic.twitter.com/SlIviqGriI
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023
NFL teams across the league will also pay tribute to Hamlin's ongoing fight. Each NFL club will have the option to outline the "3" at each 30-yard line number on the field in Buffalo's colors. Players will also have the option to wear "Love for Damar 3" T-shirts during warmups.
