ORCHARD PARK, NY — Buffalo Bills defense Tamar Hamlin His breathing tube was removed and he began talking to his care team, family and teammates.
Hamlin’s breathing tube was removed overnight, doctors at Cincinnati Medical Center say in a statement via Bills, and he continues to “make remarkable progress in his recovery.” According to doctors, his neurological function is intact and he has been able to speak.
Hamlin has been talking to loved ones and FaceTimed with his teammates, telling players and coaches, “Love you, boys,” during Friday’s team meeting.
On Thursday, doctors told reporters that removing the breathing tube would be an important step for Hamlin, who they hope will be able to return home to his family as soon as possible.
Hamlin was given CPR for several minutes after he collapsed after hitting the Bengals wide receiver on the field Monday night. Dee Higgins. Hamlin was on oxygen as he was placed in an ambulance and taken off the field, according to the ESPN broadcast. He was taken to the hospital, where he remains.
Dr. William Knight IV credited Hamlin’s quick medical response with saving his life. He said a doctor was at Hamlin’s side within a minute of his collapse and realized the defensive back had no pulse. Hamlin required CPR and resuscitation on the field, Knight said.
There is no definitive answer as to what caused Hamlin’s heart attack.
The Bills will play at home against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The NFL and Bills asked business partner Fanatics to produce 150 T-shirts for each home team that said “Love for Damar.” Shirts will be shared with incoming teams to wear during pregame warm-ups on Sunday.
Information from ESPN’s Tom VanHaren was used in this report.
