Four days after suffering cardiac arrest during a game, NFL defensive back Damar Hamlin, 24, is now breathing on his own and was even able to speak with his team on Friday.
On Monday night, Hamlin, who plays for the Buffalo Bills, collapsed after making a tackle during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Emergency medical personnel immediately ran to his aide, administering CPR until the ambulance was able to take him to a nearby hospital.
The emotion on and off the field was heartwrenching as members of his team took a knee to pray for their teammate. The game was postponed as they awaited word on Hamlin’s condition, and it was eventually canceled after no news came in.
Powerful scene Sean McDermott gathered the team to pray for Damar Hamlin. Let the game be suspended for a long period. Powerful scene. Pray for Damar Hamlin. #BillsMafia #gobills #bills #bufvscin #RuleTheJungle #MNF #MNFxESPN #buffalobills https://t.co/7q1MuKLzQC pic.twitter.com/KZIeRSRcVA
— Chetan Rakieten (@chetanrakieten) January 3, 2023
The 24-year-old pro football player woke up on Wednesday evening and was able to write three words down: “Did we win?”
His doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center replied, “Yes, Damar. You won the game of life.”
Dr. Timothy Pritts announced during a press conference on Thursday, “Not only are the lights on, but he’s home.”
“He continues to be critically ill and undergo care in the ICU,” warned Pritts. “He still has significant progress he needs to make. This marks a turning point in his ongoing care.”
On Friday morning, the Buffalo Bills shared an update on their beloved player’s condition via Twitter, saying, “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.”
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
Overnight, Hamlin’s breathing tube was removed and he was able to join the Bills’ team meeting on Friday morning through FaceTime, finally speaking with his team.
He again only had three words, but this time they were different.
“Love you boys.”
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