One week after suffering a cardiac arrest against the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has returned to upstate New York, with medics left "ecstatic" by his recovery.
Doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where Hamlin spent the last week said he will continue to be monitored by a care team in Buffalo.
"I can confirm he is doing well and this is the beginning of the next stage of his recovery," Dr. William Knight told reporters.
Knight also said that since Friday Hamlin had been up with physical and occupational therapy walking the unit, tolerating a regular diet and meeting with family and many members of the care team.
Simply amazing. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/hc2gL4RmE6
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 9, 2023
"Grateful for the awesome care I received at UCMC. Happy to be back in Buffalo," Hamlin posted on Twitter.
The 24-year-old collapsed during a game last Monday in Cincinnati moments after making a tackle and then had to have his heartbeat restored on the field while stunned players from both teams cried, prayed and hugged.
But Hamlin quickly made remarkable strides in his recovery as he woke up two days later, had his breathing tube removed on Friday and then watched the Bills regular-season finale from his bed on Sunday.
Hamlin was recognised around the NFL over the weekend as players from all teams donned Hamlin-inspired apparel while moments of support for him were recognised at various stadiums.
Hamlin said on Twitter that he is now at Buffalo General Medical Center where doctors and nurses have already made him feel at home.
Grateful for the awesome care I received at UCMC. Happy to be back in Buffalo. The docs and nurses at Buffalo General have already made me feel at home! 🏩🫶🏾.
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) January 9, 2023
