American football: Bills’ Hamlin thanks fans in first message since cardiac arrest
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A fan holds a sign in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during an NFL game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans on Jan 7, 2023.
PHOTO: AFP
TORONTO – Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on Saturday thanked his fans for all their support in his first message just days after suffering a cardiac arrest during a game, and asked that they keep praying for his recovery.
The 24-year-old collapsed after making a tackle on Monday against the hosts Cincinnati Bengals during a nationally televised National Football League (NFL) game and had to have his heartbeat restored on the field. But he has made remarkable strides since.
“Putting love into the world comes back 3xs as much... thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed. This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!” Hamlin tweeted.
After being treated on the field while stunned players from both teams cried, prayed and hugged, he was taken by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Centre, where he remains.
Hamlin began to wake up two days later and has had his breathing tube removed. He surprised teammates on Friday during a video call in which he said, “Love you, boys,” flexed his biceps and flashed a heart symbol with his hands.
Doctors have yet to determine what led to the cardiac incident.
In the most recent health update provided by the Bills earlier on Saturday, the team described Hamlin’s neurological function as “excellent”, but said he still needed to be monitored closely by his doctors.
“Per the physicians at UC Medical Centre, Damar is making continued progress in his recovery yet remains in critical condition,” the statement said. “He continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent.”
Hamlin’s message was posted during a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, in which players wore “Love for Damar 3” T-shirts in support of the Bills player during their warmups.
Before the match in Las Vegas, there was a moment of tribute to honour Hamlin with fans and players from both teams clapping and cheering.
“This week it’s been hard for a lot of guys,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the game.
“But to have him being able to talk and be able to be with his family, it gave us that motivation that we can come out here and still enjoy this game that we all love.
“Hopefully, he can continue to get better and better and know that we are all still praying for him. We all send love to him and hopefully he is back on the field sooner rather than later.” REUTERS
