In the aftermath of Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football’s game between his Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, fans have waited with bated breath for a substantial improvement in the young safety’s health outlook.
It appears that the numerous prayers sent Hamlin’s way have been answered and he has awoken for the first time since Monday morning.
Since much has been made of his astoundingly good character, put on full display by teammates and friends who have spoken so glowingly of the 24-year-old, it is no surprise that the first thing he asked was not about himself.
According to doctors from the UC Medical Center, who spoke to ESPN, Hamlin is now able to communicate through writing. The first thing that he asked? Damar Hamlin was desperate to know who won the game.
It’s easy to forget that in the turmoil that surrounded the injury and the subsequent postponement of the football game, Hamlin has no idea what transpired. Dr. Timothy Pritts responded by saying that, in a way, Hamlin is the person who won.
“The answer is yes, Damar, you won. You won the game of life.”
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It turns out that this question was a huge sign of optimism to the doctor who says it’s a sight that “not only the lights are on, but he’s home.”
The Buffalo Bills’ official website also released another update a few minutes bore midnight last night. In it, the team announces that:
“Just three days after Hamlin collapsed on the field due to cardiac arrest during the Bills-Bengals game, physicians caring for Hamlin announced that he has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours.”
Hamlin’s father also spoke to the Bills team as players and coaches gathered to hear the latest news about their beloved teammate. According to coach Sean McDermott, the message that Mario Hamlin shared was one of resilience, just like his son has shown this week,
“Really his message was the team needs to get back to focusing on the goals that they had set for themselves. Damar would have wanted it that way, and so that includes our game against New England this week. And I think that has helped.”
Star quarterback Josh Allen also said that Mario Hamlin’s message is rallying the team as the Bills move closer to the postseason. While he will not be on the field, Damar Hamlin will be with the players on game day, according to Allen:
“The things that he kind of told us and really he didn’t tell us, he demanded us. And you can’t not honor his request to go out there and charge forward. And that to the best of our abilities…
“We want to go out there and play for 3, and he’ll be a huge driving force and the emotion and the love of the game that we play with and for each other.”