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Some fantastic news has come from the doctors treating Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. According to a tweet from the Bills organization, the doctors have said he has shown “remarkable improvement.”
“Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress. We are grateful for the love and support we have received,” the team said.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 5, 2023
It came after the family of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin issued a statement as the young player fights for his life after suffering from a cardiac arrest.
“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time,” the family said in a press release shared by his friend and marketing rep Jordan Rooney. “We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.”
“We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be a part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done,” the family said.
Announcement directly from Damar’s family: pic.twitter.com/MdzgxUmVfg
— Jordon Rooney (@jordonr) January 3, 2023
The Buffalo Bills issued their own update on Tuesday.
Hamlin was injured in the first quarter when tackling Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins. After making the tackle, Hamlin stood up and then collapsed to the ground. A stretcher and ambulance came onto the field and first responders administered CPR to him. He was then taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals,” the team said in a statement. “His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”
Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
The Buffalo Bills provided an update regarding the status of Damar Hamlin. pic.twitter.com/xD7tnb2c98
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 3, 2023
The New York Times reported:
Team officials said in a statement early Tuesday that Hamlin’s heart stopped after he was hit during a play in the first quarter. His heartbeat was restored by medical personnel on the field before Hamlin was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, the Bills said, adding that Hamlin was undergoing “further testing and treatment” and had been sedated.
About nine minutes into the game on Monday night, Hamlin tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins after a 13-yard catch. Higgins rammed into Hamlin at full speed, appearing to hit him in the head and chest area. Hamlin quickly stood up, took two steps and collapsed backward, and his body went limp.
Medical personnel administered CPR and attended to him for 10 minutes as players from both teams were visibly upset, some shedding tears on the sideline while others circled together and knelt in prayer. One medical professional appeared to administer an IV. Hamlin was later placed on a stretcher and transported to the hospital.
An ESPN analyst took the time to pray for Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin during a live broadcast in a beautiful display of love.
ESPN show host and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky prayed during an episode of “NFL Live” on Tuesday.
“You know, like, this is a little bit different. I’ve heard it all day, like ‘thoughts and prayers,’” he said.
“God, we come to you in these moments that we don’t understand, that are hard, uh, because we believe that You’re God and coming to You and praying to You, um, has impact,” the analyst said in his prayer.
Shoutout to Dan Orlovsky for not just saying thoughts & prayers but actually stopping NFL Live to bow his head, close his eyes, and pray for Damar Hamlin.
Kudos to you, @danorlovsky7 👏 pic.twitter.com/oBahDRc3ak
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) January 3, 2023
“We’re, we’re sad, we’re angry, um, and we want answers. But some things are unanswerable. We just want to pray, truly come to You, and pray for strength for Damar, for healing for Damar, for comfort for Damar, to be with his family to give them peace. If we didn’t believe that prayer didn’t work we wouldn’t ask this of You, God. I believe in prayer, we believe in prayer, and we lift up Damar Hamlin’s name in Your name, amen,” he prayed.
