Doctors say Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during a football game in the US last week, is ‘stable’.
U.S. soccer player Damar Hamlin was transported to a hospital in Buffalo, his doctors said, a week after the 24-year-old went into cardiac arrest and fall in a National Football League (NFL) match.
Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, was discharged from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Monday and then flown to Buffalo, where he will continue treatment at another hospital. He is listed in stable condition at Buffalo General Medical Center.
“I can confirm that he is doing well. And this is the beginning of his next phase of recovery,” said Dr. William Knight, one of Hamlin’s doctors in Cincinnati.
Hamlin’s demise in a game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals last Monday shocked and alarmed, followed by support and positive wishes from fans and fellow athletes.
Returning home to Buffalo today with so much love in my heart. 🫶🏾
Watching the world come together on Sunday is truly a wonderful feeling.
The love you all have given me is the same love that I intend to bring back into the world n again.
Bigger than football! 🫶🏾
— (@HamlinIsland) January 9, 2023
In the days since, doctors have said that Hamlin’s condition has improved dramatically and that he has been walking, eating, and undergoing therapy since Friday.
On Saturday, doctors said Hamlin’s neurological functions were “excellent” but noted that he remained in a critical condition. Dr Timothy Pritts said: “We continue to be thrilled about his recovery.
In a tweet on Monday, Hamlin thanked the medical team at the Cincinnati hospital where he was treated and said the doctors and nurses at Buffalo General “have done [him] feel at home”, as well.
Hamlin cheered on the Bills from his hospital bed on Sunday, as his teammates wore patches on their uniforms in his honor as they faced off against the New England Patriots.
Hamlin tweeted: “Watching the world come together on Sunday is truly an amazing feeling. “The love you all have given me is the same love that I intend to bring back into the world n more times.”
Grateful for the wonderful care I received at UCMC. Nice to be back in Buffalo. The doctors and nurses at Buffalo General made me feel at home! 🏩🫶🏾.
— (@HamlinIsland) January 9, 2023
Hamlin’s heart stopped on 2 January after hitting the ball as usual in the first half against Bengal. The game was initially suspended before being officially canceled over the weekend.
Hamlin’s rapid progress has been welcomed by other members of the NFL, including Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, who called the news of Hamlin’s move to Buffalo “unbelievable”.
“I mean, think about it – it was a week, not even a week ago. No one in this room would have expected him to be in Buffalo,” Taylor said. “God is great. He does miracles. This is definitely a miracle, no doubt.
“And just a great moment for Damar.”
