Damar Hamlin’s recovery has hit another positive milestone. He was able to speak with Buffalo Bills teammates over video on Friday.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin has turned a corner in his recovery. After waking up on Wednesday night and making noticeable improvement into Thursday, he had his breathing tube removed on Thursday night/Friday morning and has spoken his first words according to the Bills.
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.
After being able to speak to his family and the team leading his recovery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, he also video called with his teammates according to the team. He told them, “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
Damar Hamlin’s injury and recovery
Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on Monday night after making a defensive play against the Cincinnati Bengals. He tackled Tee Higgins, who made a catch. He stood up and promptly fell down.
Medical team members from the Bills administered CPR within one minute and were able to save his life. Hamlin was transported to the area’s only Level 1 trauma center and put in the intensive care unit. He was intubated on Monday night.
Here is a full timeline of the injury from Monday night. And here is a full timeline of his recovery so far, which has ramped up in the last 48 hours.
Since the injury, the NFL community has stood by him, in part by raising awareness for his charitable efforts to buy toys for needy children. His GoFundMe page has raised over $7 million. Cameron Wolfe reported the family is looking to establish an official nonprofit for his organization.