Tamar Hamlin is making “remarkable” progress, speaking with doctors and her family after her breathing tube was removed overnight. Buffalo Bills have announced
“His neurological function remains intact and he has been able to speak with his family and care team,” the National Football League team said Friday, citing an update from his doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
The 24-year-old defenseman on Bills social media appeared in their team meeting Friday via FaceTime to speak with the players and coaches.
“To see Damar with my own eyes, to see the reaction in the room with the players, the staff … they stood up and applauded for him,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott told the media on Friday. “It wasn’t a long interaction, but he made a heart sign and said, ‘I love you, boys.’
Hamlin collapsed with a heart attack in the first quarter of Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had to resuscitate his heart on the field in a scene that stunned teammates, coaches and millions. NFL Fans.
Doctors said Thursday that Hamlin is “showing signs of good neurological recovery” but that it is too early to comment on his long-term medical prognosis.
The horrific incident has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and the wider football community. Donations to an online toy drive fundraiser launched by Hamlin in December 2020 had raised more than $7.8 million as of Friday.
Thursday’s update from doctors said Hamlin asked in writing Monday’s game-winner. Their response was “Damar, you won — you won the game of life,” said Dr. Timothy Britts. “It’s not just the lights – he’s at home”, Britz said. “It seems like all cylinders are firing inside his brain, which is very gratifying.”
An emotional Bills quarterback Josh Allen told reporters Thursday that his teammate is awake and thinking of them. “His dad said the first thing he’s going to ask when he wakes up is who won the game,” Allen said. “Of course, that’s what he did.”
The NFL announced Thursday that the game between the abandoned Bills and Bengals will not be restarted or replayed, with both teams poised to make an impact in the playoffs. Having already clinched a playoff spot, the Bills are set to play the New England Patriots as the regular season ends Sunday.
The Bills, Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs are all still in contention for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The NFL’s competition committee outlined possible plans Play the AFC Championship Game at a neutral location If required, owners give their consent to the plans on Friday.
