NFL: Bills’ Damar Hamlin released from hospital, returns to Buffalo

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been released from a Cincinnati hospital a week after suffering a heart attack during an NFL game and returned to Buffalo, New York, doctors said Friday.

Doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC) where Hamlin spent last week said he is traveling by air and will continue to be monitored by a treatment team in Buffalo.

“As is standard with anyone who has been through what they experienced this past week, and of course after flying on a plane, they will be observed and monitored to make sure there is no impact on their flight or lung conditions.” Dr. William Knight told reporters.

“I can confirm that he is fine and this is the start of the next phase of his recovery.

Knight also said that since there Hamlin has gone up with physical therapy and occupational walking unit with “normal gait”, tolerating regular diet and meeting with family and many members of the care team.

“Thank you for the amazing care you received at UCMC. Happy to be back in Buffalo,” Hamlin wrote on Twitter.

The 24-year-old collapsed during Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals after making a tackle and then had to recover his pulse on the field as stunned players from both teams cried, prayed and hugged.

But Hamlin quickly made remarkable strides when he woke up two days later, had his breathing tube removed on Friday and then watched the Bills’ regular-season finale from bed on Sunday.

Hamlin was recognized throughout the NFL over the weekend as players from all teams wore Hamlin-inspired apparel during times of support for him at various stadiums.

The Bills wore a “3” patch on their uniforms in honor of Hamlin’s jersey number while many fans held signs in support of the second-year NFL player and the first responder who helped save his life.

‘An amazing feeling’

Hamlin said on Twitter that he is now at Buffalo General Medical Center where the doctors and nurses have made him feel at home.

“Watching the world come around me on Sunday was truly amazing,” he tweeted.

“The same love you all have, is the same love I want to give back to this world.”

While Hamlin surprised teammates on a video call late Friday and again after Sunday’s game, Bills head coach Sean McDermott told reporters that having him back in Buffalo is a plus for the players.

“Like anything else when you have family close, it feels right. It feels better,” McDermott said. “It’s just good to know he’s around.”

Bengals coach Zac Taylor was also relieved to hear about Hamlin’s return to Buffalo.

“This is unbelievable,” Taylor told reporters. “I mean, just thinking about it — that was a week ago, not even a week ago. No one in this room would have expected him to be in Buffalo.”

“God is great. He performed miracles. This is definitely a miracle, no question.

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