Buffalo Bills Defense Tamar Hamlin He is breathing on his own and able to speak after his breathing tube was removed, his agent and team said Friday — the latest step in his remarkable four-day recovery. leading to a heart attack and brought to life on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin’s “neurological function remains intact and he has been able to speak with his family and care team,” the Bills said in a statement Friday. The development was first reported By The Athletic.
“He continues to make remarkable progress in his recovery,” Bills said said in a tweet.
In Another tweetHe joined the daily huddle with players and coaches via FaceTime and said, “Love you boys.”
Speaking to reporters, Bills coach Sean McDermott called the moment “amazing” and “touching.”
“I probably can’t justify it,” McDermott said. “… To see Tamar, No. 1 with my own eyes, is something I’ve been looking forward to, I know I have to see, I think.”
McDermott said he kept it a secret from the team before announcing he “had a treat” for them — putting Hamlin on the big screen in the meeting room.
“They immediately stood up and clapped and shouted some things for him, and it was a really cool exchange for a few seconds,” McDermott said.
Hamlin flexed his arms — eliciting a chuckle from the coach — put his hands together to make a heart and gave his teammates a thumbs up, McDermott said.
“He’s an infectious young man with an infectious personality,” McDermott said.
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Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins told reporters afterward that the team has been riding a roller coaster and is experiencing “positive energy right now.”
“We got to see our boy, we got to see 3 smiles, that’s all we wanted, you know?” Dawkins said. “He’s here with us, and that’s all we can ask for, and he’s moving on, so it’s very emotional for a lot of guys, and we’re happy, we’re blessed and we’re very grateful.”
Hamlin, 24, was listed in critical condition Thursday in the intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Besides communicating through writing, Hamlin was able to hold people’s hands.
“So we know it’s not just the lights on. We know he’s home. And it seems like all cylinders are firing inside his brain, which makes us all very happy,” said Dr. Timothy Britts. “He still needs to make significant progress, but this represents a good breakthrough in his current care.”
Hamlin is recovering and continuing in a positive direction after his heart stopped while making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter of Monday night’s game against the Bengals. The second-year player spent his first two days in the hospital under sedation to allow his body to recover on a Ventilation to help his breathing.
The Bills were buoyed by encouraging medical reports as they returned to practice Thursday in preparation for a home game. game against the New England Patriots On Sunday.
The scene of Hamlin’s collapse, broadcast to a North American television audience on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” led to an outpouring of support from fans and players across the league. There are fans, team owners and players, including Tom Brady and Russell Wilson Donations were made For the Hamlin Chasing M’s Foundation, which raised more than $7.8 million by Friday morning.
