Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was honored by teammates and fans before Sunday’s home game against the New England Patriots.
“GameDay.. Nothing I Want More Than To Be Running Out That Tunnel With My Brothers,” Hamlin remarked in a Sunday post to Twitter. “God Using Me In A Different Way Today. Tell Someone You Love Them Today!”
Hamlin is hospitalized in Cincinnati while recovering from a cardiac arrest suffered during last week’s game against the Bengals.
Bills players seemed emotional and fired up as they gained the field. The first play of the game ended up a 96-yard kickoff return for a Buffalo Bills touchdown. It marked the first time in 18 years that an opening kickoff in a playoff game was returned for a touchdown, according to CBS Sports analysts covering the game.
Damar Hamlin has made substantial progress Cincinnati Medical Center physicians said Thursday, according to a report from The Enquirer.
“Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight,” the Buffalo Bills Twitter account announced Friday. “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.”
Hamlin initially seemed fine after a tackle but soon collapsed. Doctors with the Bengals and Bills teams promptly administered CPR. His doctors at UCMC credited the quick, proper medical care provided immediately after the attack with saving his life.
A Sunday morning video posted to the Buffalo Bills Twitter account shows quarterback Josh Allen entering the stadium wearing sweatshirt emblazoned with Hamlin’s jersey number. “If you get a chance to show some love today, do it. It won’t cost you nothing — Damar Hamlin,” was displayed in red text inside the numeral three.
“17 reppin’ for 3,” noted the team account caption.
Hamlin noticed it from his Cincinnati hospital bed and responded.
“That’s My Quarterback,” Hamlin posted.
