Damar Hamlin’s Recovery Continues, Still In Critical Condition
Jan 7, 2023, 2:38 PM
Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs wears a shirt in honor of Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills during warmups prior to playing the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Doctors described Damar Hamlin’s neurological function as “excellent” Saturday, as the Buffalo Bills safety continued making progress in his recovery after having to be resuscitated on the field in a game at Cincinnati on Monday.
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In providing their daily update on Hamlin, the Bills said the player continues to breathe on his own but remains in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Hamlin took a major step forward in his recovery on Friday when he was taken off a ventilator and showed an ability to speak.
The 24-year-old also made a brief live videoconference appearance Friday for his teammates, making several hand signs and saying, “Love you boys.”
Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and his heart stopped on Monday night after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter against the Bengals. The game was initially suspended before officially being canceled later in the week.
Per the physicians at UC Medical Center, Damar is making continued progress in his recovery yet remains in critical condition.
He continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 7, 2023
The Bills are planning to pay tribute to Hamlin and the first-responders and medical staff who treated the player when they close the season Sunday by hosting the New England Patriots.
RELATED: Buffalo Bills’ Hamlin Collapses On Field, Gets CPR; Game Suspended
💙 #LoveForDamar pic.twitter.com/tjZ5CPWloi
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2023
The NFL also will show support for Hamlin during all Week 18 games, which start Saturday afternoon, including a pregame moment of support, painting Hamlin’s No. 3 on the 30-yard line and pregame shirts with “Love for Damar 3.” The Bills will also wear “3” jersey patches.
For 3. ❤️💙#LoveForDamar | #ForDamar pic.twitter.com/rdHPF2uFYa
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 7, 2023
On Saturday, the Steelers paid tribute to Hamlin, who is from the Pittsburgh area, by delivering toys, books and teaching supplies to Kelly & Nina’s Daycare, where the player hosts an annual toy drive. Fans, players and team owners have also made donations to Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, which has raised just more than $8.2 million by Saturday afternoon.
