Damar Hamlin returns to Instagram and thanks fans for “overwhelming support” after coIIapse.
Damar Hamlin, the NFL player who was hospitaIized last week after collapsing during the Bills-Bengals game, returned to social media for the first time Saturday to thank fans for their “overwheIming” support.
Tributes fIooded the internet for the 24-year-old after the sad event, which took place on Monday Night Football. The safety put a hold on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. However, a few moments after he stood up, he fell on his back.
Billed trainers rendered aid to the player within 10 seconds, while EMS arrived on the scene in less than five minutes. Hamlin was given CPR on the field before being taken to the hospitaI.
According to Hamlin’s family, he had to be resuscitated twice. A statement released by the Bills on Twitter early last Tuesday said the 24-year-old’s heartbeat had returned on the field.
Since then, however, Hamlin has shown remarkable resilience and appears to be well on his way to recovery.
On Thursday, several people connected to Hamlin provided promising updates.
“He was responsive, which is extremely positive — neurologically intact, as reported by the Bills — and was grabbing the hands of those around him,” NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported for NFL Nov.
Hamlin’s teammate, cornerback Kaiir Elam, tweeted Thursday morning that the 24-year-old was awake and “showing more signs of improvement.”
Agency 1 Sports, which represents Hamlin, also shared the good news and thanked everyone for their support over the past few days.
“The outpouring of support for Damar across the country has been incredible.” Thank you for your calls, texts and emails. Damar made significant progress overnight. We are very grateful to all the first responders, doctors, hospitaI staff and everyone who played a part in this process. Please continue to pray for Damar and we will provide updates as they become available.
Then on Saturday, Hamlin posted his biggest update yet, returning to Instagram to give fans a big smile and thank them for all their support.
Bills security posted several photos of him wearing his team’s uniform, as well as a quote from Dr. Timothy Pritz, who revealed that doctors told Hamlin he “won the game of his life” after Hamlin woke up and was asked who won the Bills-Bengals game.
“When you put true love out into the world, it comes back 3x.. 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾,” Hamlin, a second-year NFL pro, wrote in his caption.
“The love has been overwhelming, but I’m grateful for every person who prayed for me and reached out to me.” Again we gathered the world after that. If you know me, you know this only made me stronger. On the long journey, pray for me! 🫶🏾❤3⃣ #3 strong.”
Hamlin’s post came a day after he apparently FaceTimed his teammates saying, “I love you guys. The Bills said at the time that Hamlin’s breathing tube had been removed and that the player “continues to make significant progress in his recovery.”
They added: “His neurological function remained intact and he was able to communicate with his family and care team.
I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely thrilled that Damar Hamlin is making such a wonderful recovery.
Please keep this young man in your thoughts and prayers. Share this article on Facebook if you want to send your support.
