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Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is breathing on his own and able to speak after his breathing tube was removed, his agent said Friday – the latest step in his remarkable recovery in the four days since he suffered a heart attack and was resuscitated on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin even joined the Bills team meeting Saturday morning via FaceTime, and told them “love you guys.”
“I probably can’t do it justice,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said Friday, “but just to see Damar, No. 1 and to see the reaction of the players, they immediately stood up and started clapping and yelling.
McDermott said it was no secret from the team before announcing they had a “tray in store” for him – putting Hamlin on the big screen in the meeting room.
“He’s just an infectious young man with an infectious personality,” McDermott said.
Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk with players and coaches.
What he said to the team: “I love you boys.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8dorrWNaxt
Hamlin, 24, was still listed Thursday in critical condition in the University of Cincinnati Medical Center’s intensive care unit. In addition to being able to communicate in writing, Hamlin can also hold people’s hands.
WATCH | The Bills coach described the team’s view of Hamlin in a video:
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said the players began to applaud when they saw Damar Hamlin participate in Friday’s team meeting by video. Hamlin is recovering in Cincinnati after suffering a heart attack during a game against the Bengals.
In a statement Friday, the team said Hamlin’s “neurological function remains intact and he is able to talk to his family and treatment team.” Agent Ira Turner could not provide further details in a text to The Associated Press. The development was first reported by The Athletic.
“So we know that not only the light is on. We know that he is at home. And it seems that all cylinders are firing in the brain, which is very exciting for all of us,” said Dr. Timothy Pritts. “He still has significant progress to make, but this marks a good turning point for continued treatment.”
WATCH l Sight of Hamlin collapse updates questions about game safety:
NFL player Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition after suffering a heart attack during Monday night’s game. The sight of him collapsing on the field, and being taken away in an ambulance, has shaken many and renewed questions about the safety of the game.
Hamlin’s recovery continues to progress in a positive direction after his heart stopped while making what appeared to be a routine play in the first quarter of Monday night’s game against the Bengals. The second-year player spent the first two days in the hospital under sedation to allow his body to recover, and a ventilator to help him breathe.
The Bills were lifted with an encouraging medical report as they returned to practice on Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s home game against the New England Patriots.
The NFL announced plans to show support for Hamlin during the entire week of 18 games, including pregame support, painting Hamlin’s No. The Bills will also wear the “3” jersey patch.
The sight of Hamlin’s collapse, which was broadcast to a North American TV audience on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and players from around the league. Fans, team owners and players — including Tom Brady and Russell Wilson — have donated to Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, which raised more than $7.8 million as of Friday morning.
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