Orchard Park, New York (AP) — Doctors described Dummer Hamlin’s neurological function as “excellent” on Saturday as Buffalo Bills safety continues his recovery after being forced to resuscitate him on the field in a game in Cincinnati on Monday .
In providing a daily update on Hamlin, Bills said the player continues to breathe on his own but is in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Hamlin took a big step in his recovery when he was taken off the ventilator on Friday and demonstrated the ability to speak.
On Saturday night, the 24-year-old tweeted on his verified Twitter account that the love given to the world has tripled and thanked everyone who “reached out and prayed for us.” He also said his handling of the injury would make Hamlin stronger.
The tweet read:
Hamlin also appeared in a short live video conference for his teammates on Friday, giving several hand signs and saying, “I love you boys.”
Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter against the Bengals on Monday night, causing his heart to stop. The game was initially suspended before being officially canceled later in the week.
Many Ravens fans wish Hamlin a speedy recovery from his injury.
“When I saw it, I thought this was football. He’s just a regular injury,” said Ravens fan Lenny Green. I’ve seen…it hurt.. like, he’s hurt really badly.”
Ravens players like Lamar Jackson, Geno Stone and Marcus Williamsexpressed support for Hamlin online.
“Our lives are in danger when we’re out and about,” Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins told WJZ on Tuesday. Everything is a game, this is a game, but we are really putting our lives at risk.”
Dobbins said his heart was with Hamlin’s mother and what she might be going through.
“This was life or death,” said Dobbins. “Forget all the standings and stuff like that because he’s human. I’m not saying it here, not here, but generally in the world of sports, forget that we’re human. I feel like I am.”
By hosting the New England Patriots, the Bills plan to pay tribute to the first responders and medical staff who treated Hamlin and the players as they wrapped up the season on Sunday.
The NFL will also show support for Hamlin in all Week 18 games starting Saturday afternoon. This includes a pregame support moment, Hamlin’s No. 3 paint at the 30-yard line, and a pregame shirt with “Love for Dummer 3.” Bills also wears a “3” jersey patch.
On Saturday, the Steelers paid tribute to Pittsburgh-area native Hamlin by delivering toys, books, and educational materials to Kelly & Nina’s daycare. Fans, players and team owners also donated to her Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, which raised more than $8.2 million for her by Saturday afternoon.
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