Damar Hamlin's first words to Buffalo Bills team-mates as breathing tube removed

06 January 2023 , 15:27

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Damar Hamlin is improving with each day (Image: Greg M Cooper/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin has spoken to his team-mates and is breathing without the aid of a tube as he continues his recovery.

The Bills confirmed that Hamlin has had the breathing tube removed from his throat, and is also communicating with those around him. Hamlin video called his entire team on Friday morning, and said: "Love you boys."

It's a radical update after University of Cincinnati Health physicians Dr. Timothy Pritts and Dr. William Knight only addressed the media on Thursday. Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during the first quarter of the match between the Bills and the Cincinnatti Bengals on Monday, and has been hospitalised ever since.

The Bills tweeted on Friday morning: "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." He's since spoken to team-mates and even addressed the entire team with the touching message.

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An immense amount of support for Hamlin has flooded in since the incident that occurred on Monday, that saw the game between the Bills and the Bengals postponed. Midway through the first half, the 24-year-old collapsed after making a tackle and had to be revived on the field before he was transferred to the University of Cincinnati hospital.

Hamlin collapsed during Monday's clash between the Bills and the Bengals

The NFL confirmed on Thursday that the game would not be replayed, and that it would be called a no contest as the match has been scrapped. Despite the game having huge playoff implications ,with both teams still in the race to secure the number one seed and earn a bye through the first-round, the teams and the NFL have collectively decided not to resume.

They will now have their post-season positions determined based on their winning percentage for a 16-game season, rather than the 17 games played by all other NFL teams. Because of this disparity, the league has also recommended changes to this years playoffs, with the AFC championship game - the final meeting of the top two teams in the conference before the Super Bowl - being played on a neutral field.

In a statement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: "This has been a very difficult week. We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country.

"We are also incredibly appreciative of the amazing work of the medical personnel and commend each and every one of them."

Joseph McBride