Bills safety Damar Hamlin on Saturday made his first statement to the public since his frightening injury on "Monday Night Football."
In a post on his Instagram, Hamlin thanked everyone who has prayed for him and reached out. Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during Buffalo's Week 17 game against the Bengals and was revived on the field. He remains in critical condition.
MORE: Latest on Damar Hamlin's health
"When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you [three times] as much," Hamlin wrote. "The Love has been overwhelming, but I'm thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me!"
Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after a first-quarter collision with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and needed CPR on the field. After his heartbeat was restored, he was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
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Hamlin has shown remarkable progress since the injury. It was reported that he asked in writing on Wednesday night who won the game. On Thursday, the Bills announced that doctors said he appeared to be "neurologically intact." That same day, he gripped the hands of people close to him. On Friday, Hamlin FaceTimed with his teammates.
The Bills posted another statement Saturday, saying that Hamlin is still in critical condition but is breathing on his own and has excellent neurological function.
Per the physicians at UC Medical Center, Damar is making continued progress in his recovery yet remains in critical condition.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 7, 2023
He continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent.
DeCOURCY: Support for Hamlin rooted in his generosity, caring
Hamlin has received countless tributes from across the world since his injury. His charity, The Chasing M's Foundation Community Toy Drive, has received more than $8 million in donations, well exceeding its goal of $2,500.
