Damar Hamlin updates: Buffalo Bills player asked in writing if team won the game, doctors said
One of Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s first thoughts after he woke up in the intensive care unit on Wednesday night was to ask, in writing, who won Monday’s Bills-Bengals game during which he went into cardiac arrest.
Upon waking up after being sedated, Hamlin followed commands and even was able to communicate in writing. Hamlin remains in critical condition with a breathing tube, according to his doctors, who made their first public comments Thursday about his condition in a news conference held at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
“The answer is yes, Damar, you won the game of life,” Dr. Timothy Pritts said.
Hamlin’s first comments were to a nurse at his bedside, according to doctors, while his family, friends and members of the Bills organization have remained by his side since he was transported to the medical facility.
“He’s held many peoples’ hands,” Dr. William Knight IV said of Hamlin.
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“He’s been very interactive with them,” Pritts added.
Doctors said Hamlin expressed surprise when he was informed he was previously sedated for two days, and for the massive support he has received.
“It’s not only that the lights are on, it’s that he’s home,” Pritts said of Hamlin.
“All of the cylinders are firing right in his brain.”
Hamlin is making substantial progress and his neurologic condition and function are intact, his doctors said.
Fans have donated millions of dollars to a GoFundMe site Hamlin created in 2020 to buy toys for children ahead of the holidays.
“It’s been incredible. It’s made a tough situation just a little bit easier,” Hamlin’s marketing rep, Jordon Rooney, said on behalf of the Hamlin family. “They’re so grateful. They are always giving to others, so for so many people to rally around them, they just keep saying how thankful they are.”
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OPINION: ESPN’s immediate coverage of Damar Hamlin situation done with right tone
Jets DB seeks Hamlin jersey to wear during Week 18 pregame
New York Jets star rookie defensive back Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner tweeted Wednesday that he’s looking for a Hamlin jersey to wear before his team’s Week 18 game Sunday against the Dolphins in Miami.
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin tweeted the reply, “We got you!”
the focus wasn’t on football once Hamlin was rushed to the hospital.would not resume this week. On Wednesday, the league began discussions about when it would be played.
“Everything is being considered,” NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said during a conference call.
The league has not made any changes to the Week 18 regular-season schedule. The Bengals will host the Ravens, while the Bills host the Patriots, both set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
Jeff Miller, NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy, said a decision will be made “in the coming days.”
Joe Burrow: ‘We’re behind them 100 percent’
The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback said he’s open to finishing the game against the Bills while the NFL sorts out scheduling, but he said he ultimately supports whatever the Bills think is best.
“I think that would be tough, just scheduling-wise,” Burrow said. “I think whatever Buffalo would want to do, we would want to do. We’re behind them 100 percent in what they want to do going forward.”
what is cardiac arrest, and how might it have happened to Hamlin?
- What is commotio cordis? Condition is discussed as potential cause to Damar Hamlin’s collapse
- Emergency response, explained:Damar Hamlin was treated with AED and CPR after cardiac arrest
- NFL’s emergency action plan: How does it work?
Contributing: Safid Deen, Tyler Dragon