Damar Hamlin is back home in Buffalo. On Monday, doctors at UC Medical Center in Cincinnati released the Buffalo Bills safety, one week after he suffered a cardiac arrest during an NFL game.
Hamlin tweeted Monday afternoon, “Grateful for the awesome care I received at UCMC. Happy to be back in Buffalo. The docs and nurses at Buffalo General have already made me feel at home.”
He followed up with another tweet thanking the public for the support. “Watching the world come together around me on Sunday was truly an amazing feeling. The same love you all have shown me is the same love that I plan to put back into the world n more. Bigger than football!”
Dr. William Knight IV told CNN that Hamlin was “doing well and this is the beginning of the next stage of his recovery”.
“It is entirely too premature to discuss, not only his football; it’s that we’re really focused on his day-to-day recovery,” said Knight. He added that Hamlin made “a number of key milestones” and was doing physical and occupational therapy.
On Jan. 2, the 24-year-old defensive player suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed in the middle of the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The game was initially postponed but ultimately canceled by the NFL and will not be rescheduled.
Doctors said it’s still too early to know what caused Hamlin’s cardiac arrest. He’s expected to undergo more tests to determine what happened.
On Sunday, he posted a photo of himself on Instagram sitting up in his hospital bed and making a heart sign with his hands while wearing a number 3 hat and a “Love for Damar” shirt. Also that day, Hamlin released a line of t-shirts titled ‘Did We Win’. It features a hospital tag ID bracelet on Hamlin’s right wrist. Proceeds from the shirt will go to first responders and the UC Trauma Center.
“Did We Win” is the question Hamlin asked medical professionals when he woke up last week following his cardiac arrest.
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He showed support for his team this past Sunday when they defeated New England 35-23. Hamlin tweeted throughout the game. He also watched from his hospital bed as other NFL teams honored him during their last games of the regular season. Players, coaches, and fans expressed their support with T-shirts, signs, and jersey patches featuring his name and his number 3.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans held a prayer vigil for Hamlin before their game.
Support also continues to pour in for his philanthropic efforts. His foundation, Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive, has garnered more than $8.6 million, through a GoFund Me page. Donations include a $10K one from Tom Brady and funds from Russell Wilson and Ciara.
