Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin posted Saturday on social media, in his first public comments since he suffered a cardiac arrest during Monday's game against the Bengals, that the love he has received "has been overwhelming."
"When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x's as much," Hamlin posted to his verified Instagram account. "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!"
The Bills announced on Saturday that Hamlin is making continued progress in his recovery and remains in critical condition, per physicians at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where Hamlin has been under care since Monday night. Hamlin "continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent."
The team announced on Friday that Hamlin's breathing tube had been removed overnight and he had been able to talk to his family and care team. Hamlin also delivered a message to the team Friday morning and spent time speaking to various teammates on FaceTime, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
The NFL announced on Friday that its 32 clubs would demonstrate league-wide support for Hamlin during Week 18's games, including a pregame moment of support, the painting of Hamlin's No. 3 on the field and pregame shirts displaying the message "Love for Damar 3." The Bills also will don "3" jersey patches, and general manager Brandon Beane told reporters on Friday that he expects Sunday's home game against the Patriots to "be a celebration of life."
The Chiefs and Raiders began Week 18 honoring Hamlin before their Saturday game in Las Vegas.
"This week has been hard for a lot of guys," Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told ESPN's Laura Rutledge after Kansas City's 31-13 win. "To have being able to talk and being able to be with his family and gave us that motivation that we can come out here and can still enjoy this game that we all love. Hopefully, he can continue to get better and better and know that we're all still praying for him. We all send love to him, and hopefully he's back on the field sooner than later."
