Damar Hamlin now Breathing on His Own, also FaceTimed Team, ‘Love You Boys’

The Buffalo Bills announced Damar had his breathing tube removed overnight and was able to speak with his team.

Physicians at UCMC have shared that Damar’s recovery has been remarkable with his neurologic function remaining intact.

“Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery. His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team.”

Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery.

His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team.

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023

NFL insider, Ian Rapoport shared that Hamlin addressed his team via FaceTime.

“This is amazing: For the first time, #Bills S Damar Hamlin is addressing the team via Facetime. The breathing tube is out, and he’s spent the morning speaking to various teammates on Facetime. Now, he’s delivering a message to the entire group, I’m told.”

This is amazing: For the first time, #Bills S Damar Hamlin is addressing the team via Facetime. The breathing tube is out, and he’s spent the morning speaking to various teammates on Facetime. Now, he’s delivering a message to the entire group, I’m told.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2023

The Bills also shared about the FaceTime sharing Hamlin told his team mates, “Love you boys.”

“Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches. What he said to the team: ‘Love you boys.'”

Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches.

What he said to the team: “Love you boys.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8dorrWNaxt

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023

Head Coach Sean McDermott spoke to reporters about Hamlin’s recovery. He shared it was “amazing and touching” to see Damar. He shared that it was a surprise to the staff and team that they were going to get to see and speak to Hamlin.

He shared that when Hamlin appeared on the screen, his teammates stood up and clapped for him. The interaction was short, Hamlin made a strong strong man gesture while on the Zoom call as well as a heart symbol with his hands also telling his team “I love you boys”.

We’re live with Coach McDermott as he meets with the media. https://t.co/Ik1fRnFdVZ

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 6, 2023

Robert Griffin III shared the name and photo of the staff member who performed CPR on Hamlin, calling him a real life hero.

“Denny Kellington a REAL LIFE HERO. He performed CPR on Damar Hamlin on the field and was crucial in saving his life.”

Denny Kellington a REAL LIFE HERO. He performed CPR on Damar Hamlin on the field and was crucial in saving his life. pic.twitter.com/FHpng0bPOD

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 5, 2023

The NFL announced on Thursday that the game that was postponed will not be resumed and instead will be considered a neutral site AFC Championship game.

Bills-Bengals Monday Night Football Game Will Not Be Resumed Pending Approval by the NFLPA: Report

“Week 17 Buffalo-Cincinnati game will not be resumed. Clubs to consider neutral site AFC Championship game.”

Week 17 Buffalo-Cincinnati game will not be resumed. Clubs to consider neutral site AFC Championship game.

Full statement: pic.twitter.com/NwqUwxlbzo

— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2023

Hamlin’s amazing recovery is refreshing to see and seems to be in part due to the quick response from the medical staff.

Buffalo Bills Give Update on Damar Hamlin: ‘Signs of Improvement’, but ‘Expected to Remain Under Intensive Care’