ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Doctors described Damar Hamlin’s neurological function as “excellent” Saturday as the Buffalo Bills safety continued his recovery after having to be resuscitated on the field in Monday’s game at Cincinnati.
In providing their daily updates 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 big step forward in his recovery Friday when he was taken off the ventilator and demonstrated the ability to speak.
On Saturday night, the 24-year-old’s verified Twitter account posted a tweet saying that any love put into the world comes back three times as much and thanking everyone who “reached out and prayed.” injury will strengthen Hamlin. The tweet was followed by a heart-shaped emoticon and a “3”.
The tweet read: “Putting love into the world comes back 3x…thank you to everyone who reached out and prayed. This will strengthen me on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!”
The NFL will also show support for Hamlin during all Week 18 games beginning Saturday afternoon, including a pregame moment of support, painting Hamlin’s No. 3 on the 30-yard line and pregame “Love for Damar 3” jerseys. The Bills will also wear “3” patches on their jerseys.
Hamlin also did a brief live video conference for his teammates on Friday, making several hand signs and saying, “I love you guys.”
Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and his heart stopped Monday night after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter against the Bengals. The game was initially suspended and was officially canceled later in the week.
The Bills plan to pay tribute to Hamlin and the first responders and medical staff who treated the player when they close out the season by hosting the New England Patriots on Sunday.
On Saturday, the Steelers paid tribute to Hamlin, who is from the Pittsburgh area, by delivering toys, books and school supplies to Kelly & Nina’s Daycare, where the player hosts an annual toy drive. Fans, players and team owners also contributed to Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, which had raised just over $8.2 million as of Saturday afternoon.
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