Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin is finally breathing on his own just days after he went into cardiac arrest and collapsed mid-game.
“Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar [Hamlin] ‘s breathing tube was removed overnight,” the Buffalo Bills said in a statement. “He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery. His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team. Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches. What he said to the team: ‘Love you boys.'”
The Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game was postponed after the Bills safety went into cardiac arrest after making a tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin had to be resuscitated on the field and is receiving 100 percent of oxygen from a ventilator.
On Thursday, Dr. Timothy Pritts told reporters that Hamlin has made “substantial improvement” and that he is able to to communicate by shaking his head, nodding or writing brief notes.