Damar Hamlin Shares First Post Since Hospitalization
By Jason Hall
January 7, 2023
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin shared his first social media post on Saturday (January 7), days after suffering cardiac arrest during the Bills' now-postponed Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much..," Hamlin wrote on his verified Instagram account. "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! 🫶🏾❤️3️⃣ "
Hamlin had his breathing tube removed overnight and made contact with players and coaches on Friday (January 6), the team announced in a series of updates shared on Twitter.
"Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight," the Bills tweeted. "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.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023
His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team.
The Bills added that Hamlin FaceTimed players and coaches and told the team "Love you boys."
Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023
What he said to the team: “Love you boys.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8dorrWNaxt
Hamlin collapsed on the field after suffering cardiac arrest during the now-canceled Monday Night Football matchup between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin, 24, tackled Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins during the first quarter of Monday's game and got back to his feet before suddenly falling to the ground. A stretcher and ambulance came onto the field and CPR was administered by first responders.
Dr. William Knight IV and Dr. Timothy Pritts addressed reporters Thursday (January 5) afternoon and confirmed that Hamlin was making "substantial progress" and "is awaking."
"He's made substantial improvement. It appears his neurological condition and function is intact," Pritts said via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "We are very proud to report that. ... This marks a really good turning point in his ongoing care."
Dr. Timothy Pritts of UC Health, on Damar Hamlin: "He's made substantial improvement. It appears his neurological condition and function is intact. We are very proud to report that. ... This marks a really good turning point in his ongoing care."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2023
“It’s been a long and difficult road for the past few days," Knight added via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. "He has been very sick and has made a fairly remarkable improvement."
UC Health physician Dr. William Knight IV says: “It’s been a long and difficult road for the past few days. He has been very sick and has made a fairly remarkable improvement.” Now is showing positive signs in vital signs and organ recovery. Workup ongoing regarding the cause.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 5, 2023
The physicians confirmed reports that Hamlin was awake as of Wednesday (January 4) night.
Pritts said Hamlin has been able to communicate through writing as he still has a breathing tube in and asked doctors "did we win?" in relation to Monday's game."
Dr. Pritts clarifies that Hamlin cannot speak and still has a breathing tube in. He has been communicating in writing last night and today.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 5, 2023
"Our response was: Damar, you won. You won the game of life," Pritts said via Pelissero.
"Our response was: Damar, you won. You won the game of life."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 5, 2023
The doctors said Hamlin still has a long process in his recovery and the next goal is to get him off a ventilator and breathing on his own, but confirmed that he will eventually be discharged from the hospital, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.
UC health doctors said he’s has long way to go. Next step goals are trying to get him off ventilator and breathe on his own. Eventually get him discharged from hospital and get him home.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 5, 2023
UC doctors say Damar Hamlin started at 100% in need of ventilator and breathing tube will be removed when he gets to 0%.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 5, 2023
Docs say every patient is different and he will remain on ventilator & ICU as long he needs.
Hamlin was selected by the Bills at No. 212 overall in the sixth-round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The 24-year-old started in 13 of the 15 games he appeared in and recorded 91 tackles, six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks during his second season.
A GoFundMe page initially launched by Hamlin as part of a toy drive has raised more than $7 million since his hospitalization, far exceeding the charity's initial goal of $2,500.
An update shared on Tuesday clarified that further contributions would go toward Hamlin's ongoing medical battle.