Damar Hamlin releases first statement since on-field medical emergency, hospitalization

Less than a week after he suffered a cardiac arrest and needed CPR on the field of Monday Night Football, Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin has released his first statement regarding the support he received. He took to Instagram to thank fans for their support.

Hamlin collapsed early in the first quarter of Monday night’s matchup between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals and was rushed to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He has spent all week recovering and spoke with teammates Friday via FaceTime. As of Saturday morning, Hamlin was still listed in critical condition, the Bills said.

Hamlin received a wealth of support from NFL fans and people around the country after the incident. A GoFundMe for his toy drive received millions of dollars in donations and the NFL is taking steps to honor him this week after the events of Monday night. He saw it all once he woke up.

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A post shared by DaⓂ️ar Hamlin <3 (@d.ham3)

“When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much,” Hamlin wrote, along with three heart-hands emojis. “The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me!”

The NFL initially suspended the Bengals vs. Bills game, but ultimately said it wouldn’t resume play. That led to multiple playoff scenarios since the teams will play one less game, and owners approved a plan that would call for the AFC Championship game to be played at a neutral site if either team makes it to that round.

Hamlin was still intubated when he woke up, meaning he couldn’t speak. But he was communicating by writing, and doctors shared the first thing he said once he awoke from his sedation.

“When he asked ‘Did we win?’ The answer is, ‘Yes, Damar. You won. You won the game of life,’” Dr. Timothy Pritts of UC Medicine said.

Prior to Saturday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, both teams paid tribute to Hamlin with a “moment of support and love” prior to kickoff. That’s one of many tributes the NFL has planned for Hamlin during Week 18 — the last week of the regular season.