Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on Saturday thanked his fans for all their support in his first message just days after suffering a cardiac arrest during a game and asked that they keep praying for his recovery.
Hamlin collapsed after making a tackle on Monday against the host Cincinnati Bengals during a nationally televised game and had to have his heartbeat restored on the field, but has made remarkable strides since.
"Putting love into the world comes back 3xs as much ... thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed. This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!" Hamlin tweeted.
After receiving medical treatment on the field while stunned players from both teams cried, prayed and hugged, the 24-year-old Hamlin was taken by ambulance to University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remains.
Hamlin began to wake up two days later and has had his breathing tube removed. He surprised teammates on Friday during a video call in which he said, "Love you, boys," flexed his biceps and flashed a heart symbol with his hands.
In the most recent health update provided by the Bills earlier on Saturday, the team described Hamlin's neurological function as "excellent," but said he remains in critical condition.
Hamlin's message was posted during a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders in which players wore "Love for Damar 3" T-shirts in support of the Bills player during their warmups.
"This week it's been hard for a lot of guys," Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said after the game. "But to have him being able to talk and be able to be with his family, it gave us that motivation that we can come out here and still enjoy this game that we all love.
"Hopefully, he can continue to get better and better and know that we are all still praying for him. We all send love to him and hopefully he is back on the field sooner rather than later."
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Buffalo Bills players and staff gather as an ambulance parks on the field while CPR is administered to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on January 2, 2023. USA Today -
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his teammates gather on the field. USA Today -
Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyrel Dodson leaves the field. AP -
Buffalo Bills players and staff pray for Damar Hamlin. AP -
Buffalo Bills players and staff pray for Damar Hamlin. AP -
Buffalo Bills players and staff pray for Damar Hamlin during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. AP -
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott takes a knee. USA Today -
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen looks distraught. AP -
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow walks across the field as Damar Hamlin is examined by medical staff. AP
