Cincinnati, Ohio (WBEN) - The news regarding the health of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to get increasingly better with every passing day.
According to the Bills on Friday, medical experts at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center removed Hamlin's breathing tube overnight, as he continues to "progress remarkably" in his recover.
In addition, the team says Hamlin's neurologic function remains intact and has been able to talk to his family, care team, as well as his teammates over FaceTime. During his FaceTime with the team on Friday, he told the players and coaches on the call, "Love you boys."
This latest positive update in Hamlin's recovery comes just four days after the Bills safety collapsed to the turf of Paycor Stadium on Monday night in a matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field and needed to be resuscitated with the help of life-saving CPR and an AED.
According to doctors from UC Health on Thursday, if Hamlin's health status was to be upgraded to stable condition, they wanted to see a breathing tube out and continued improvements with other functions. While no official word has been given about a change of his status, the latest update from the Bills would suggest Hamlin is in good spirits.
The 24-year-old Hamlin was still listed Thursday in critical condition in the intensive care unit of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Aside from being able to communicate by writing, Hamlin was also been able to grip people’s hands.
The NFL announced plans to show support for Hamlin during all Week 18 games, including a pregame moment of support, painting Hamlin's No. 3 on the 30-yard line and pregame shirts with “Love for Damar 3.” The Bills will also wear “3” jersey patches.
The sight of Hamlin collapsing, which was broadcast to a North American TV audience on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” has led to an outpouring of support from fans and players from across the league. Fans, team owners and players — including Tom Brady and Russell Wilson — have made donations to Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, which had raised more than $7.8 million by Friday morning.
Kickoff on Sunday between the Bills and New England Patriots is set for 1 p.m. EST at Highmark Stadium.
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