Former Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan, a football lifer from a football family, broke down while discussing Damar Hamlin on live TV.
Ryan, currently an ESPN analyst, made an appearance on Saturday’s edition of “NFL Countdown,” where the broadcast crew were reflecting on the good news of Hamlin making improvements in his health.
The Bills head coach from 2015 and 2016 couldn’t help but give a good cry of happiness when speaking about Damar Hamlin.
Although Ryan was able to keep his composure for most of the conversation, he began to reflect more deeply, and after attempting to pass off the conversation to partner Tedy Bruschi, Ryan broke down.
“When he came out, ‘Did we win?’ we needed that,” Ryan said, in reference to the fact that Hamlin had asked doctors who won the game after waking up in the hospital. “As fans, we needed it. This guy is a legend. A legend. You talk about a fighter? He’s a dang legend. Thank you. I needed it as a dad, as a coach and as a fan of this game.”
Hamlin remains in critical condition, but is breathing on his own and communicating with others. The Bills announced previously that “His neurological function is excellent.”
Hamlin spoke to his Bills teammates for the first time Friday morning, after having his breathing tube removed overnight, telling his team, “Love you boys.”
Ryan has been involved in football for most of his life. His father Buddy was an NFL coach for 35 years, while his twin brother Rob is currently a senior defensive assistant for the Las Vegas Raiders. Rex himself was head coach of not only the Buffalo Bills but the New York Jets as well.
Hamlin is currently in the process of making a difficult recovery after collapsing on the field in the middle of the team’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, suffering cardiac arrest and having his heartbeat restored on the field.
The player has received well wishes from across the league and the nation at large as he heals and continues to improve, despite remaining in critical condition.
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