Dallas Jackson
Updates on the health of injured Buffalo Bill Damar Hamlin are coming in from multiple sources. Remarkably, all have been positive.
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The incredible change over the last 72 hours for the 24-year-old, second-year player has been encouraging. Family, teammates, and officials are sharing optimism that he will overcome his near-death experience on the football field.
His agent, Ron Butler, told CNN Thursday morning that Hamlin is “awake and has been holding hands with family in the hospital.” That report was confirmed by NFL Network.
It was the latest update in a series of positive developments.
It also immediately followed a statement made by the team, that also indicated he had turned a corner.
“Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has show remarkable improvement over the last 24 hours,” the statement read. “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.”
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 5, 2023
Hamlin was injured on Monday Night Football in a game against Cincinnati. The incident occurred when hit Bengal receiver Tyler Boyd and then tried to leave the field. Hamlin was shown struggling to leave the field when he collapsed. He reportedly needed to have his heart restarted, and was given CPR for 10 minutes.
After days of worrying if he was going to pull through, he regained consciousness Wednesday night, NFL reporter Ian Rapoport tweeted.
“Hamlin opened his eyes last night and is responsive. Truly incredible,” he posted. “One thing that’s very clear from speaking to those close to him: They are endlessly appreciative of the medical care given to Hamlin on the field immediately, then over the last 72 hours.”
From NFL Now: #Bills safety Damar Hamlin has opened his eyes. pic.twitter.com/Obu9czCxhD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2023
It was also reported that Mario Hamlin, his father, held a Zoom call with his Bills teammates on Wednesday.
CNN is reporting that he informed them that Hamlin was making progress, which left the group encouraged. The Bills are expected to practice for the first time on Thursday in preparation for their game against New England this weekend.
A chance to give back:
Hamlin had set up a GoFundMe during his rookie season to support a local Pittsburgh daycare. and after two years it was closing in on raising $3,000. As of noonET on Thursday it is over $7.1M, if you are inclined to give.
