Damar Hamlin ‘awake’ and ‘neurologically intact’ after terrifying collapse

Doctors have revealed the staggering first question NFL star Damar Hamlin put to them after his life-threatening collapse.

Damar Hamlin has shown “remarkable” improvement in hospital. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Bills and the NFL got the Damar Hamlin update they were waiting for.

The team said in a statement Thursday morning that the Bills safety is “neurologically intact” and has “shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours,” just days after he suffered cardiac arrest in a game against the Bengals in Cincinnati.

Though Hamlin is “still critically ill”, the team added Thursday that the 24-year-old’s “lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress”.

“We are grateful for the love and support we have received,” the Bills concluded Thursday’s message.

On Friday morning however two doctors from the Cincinnati hospital where Hamlin remains held a press conference, sharing remarkable news on his recovery.

“He’s made substantial improvement. It appears his neurological condition and function is intact. We are very proud to report that. ... this marks a really good turning point in his ongoing care,” Dr Pritts said.

Dr Knight added: “We cannot credit the Bills medical team enough. It’s rare to have something this serious to happen and to recognize it so quickly.”

Both doctors noted that the star has been communicating to them in writing only, he cannot speak due to the breathing tube.

Despite this, Hamlin’s first question to the medical staff was asking them who won the game between the Bills and Bengals. Ultimately the game was called off following Hamlin’s collapse.

“We were in the situation where we could let him wake up as his body healed,” Dr Pritts said. “Last night he was able to emerge, follow commands and even ask who won the game. I can clarify he did not speak but he communicated in writing. He’s unable to speak as he has a breathing tube in. When we answered Damar when he asked who won the game we said, ‘Yes, you won. You won the game of life.’”

An update we were all hoping for. ❤️💙

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 5, 2023

Damar Hamlin has shown “remarkable” improvement in hospital. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)

Hamlin has remained in the ICU of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center since Monday evening, when he was rushed off the field following a terrifying collapse in the first quarter. He was immediately tended to by medical personnel, who gave him CPR at the scene.

The NFL community has continued to offer its support for Hamlin and his loved ones, who have stayed in Cincinnati to be at his side. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday how Hamlin “has been gripping the hands of those close to him,” and that he “opened his eyes last night and is responsive”.

Damar Hamlin tackles Tee Higgins during the first quarter. Hamlin was taken off the field by medical personnel following the play. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Hamlin’s teammate, Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam, also shared an encouraging update Thursday, tweeting, “Our boy is doing better, awake and showing more signs of improvement. Thank you God. Keep the prayers coming please. All love 3!”

Hamlin’s family has continued to provide updates on his condition, with the safety’s father addressing the entire Bills team Wednesday via Zoom.

During the call, Mario Hamlin “informed the Bills that Damar was making progress,” with a source telling ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “The team needed it”.

Fans held a candlelight vigil for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

A sixth-round pick out of the University of Pittsburgh, Hamlin has been a member of the Bills since 2021. He has started for much of the 2022 season after All-Pro safety Micah Hyde was sidelined for the year after suffering a neck injury in September.

Off the field, Hamlin has given back to the community, raising money for his The Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive. In the aftermath of his collapse, over $7.2 million has been raised.

This article was originally published by the New York Post and reproduced with permission