Hamlin, still critical, continues recovery, tweets thanks
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.
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.
There was a tweet on the 24-year-old's verified Twitter account Saturday evening saying that any love put into the world comes back three times as much and thanking all who have "reached our and prayed." It also said that the response to his injury will make Hamlin stronger. The tweet was followed by a heart-shaped emoji and "3."
The tweet read: "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 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.
Many Ravens fans have been praying for Hamlin to recover from his injuries.
"When I saw it, I thought, you know, it's football. He just a regular injury," Ravens fan Renee Green said. "But once I saw that he wasn't getting a note . . . that was hurtful. Like, oh man, he's really hurt really bad."
Ravens players like Lamar Jackson, Geno Stone, and Marcus Williams expressed their support for Hamlin online.
"Our lives are on the line when we're out there," Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins told WJZ on Tuesday. "It's a entertainment business and it's fun and all games. It is a game. But we really put our lives on the line."
Dobbins said his mind has been on Hamlin's mother and what she might be going through.
"This was life or death," Dobbins said. "Forget all the standings and all that stuff, 'cause he's a human. I feel like a lot of people, not here, not saying here, but in general, in the sports world, forget that we are human."
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.
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.
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.
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