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‘In a long way, keep praying for me’: Damar Hamlin posts on Instagram for the first time since her cardiac arrest Monday as she thanks fans for ‘overwhelming’ love and support and vows ‘this will make me stronger’
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Damar Hamlin has taken to social media for the first time since her cardiac arrest on Monday, thanking fans for the support she has received in an emotional statement.
The 24-year-old fell ill Monday night and collapsed after making a tackle in the first quarter while playing for the Bills against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had to be revived in the field.
Hamlin wrote on Instagram: “When you put true love out into the world, it comes back to you 3 times over.”
“The love has been overwhelming, but I am grateful for each person who prayed for me and reached out. We rallied (sic) the world behind this.
‘If you know me, you know that this will only make me stronger. On a long way she keeps on praying for me.’
Damar Hamlin has spoken on social media for the first time since her cardiac arrest
Hamlin, 24, says he’s ‘on a long road’ but promises the ordeal will ‘make me stronger’
He posted a similar message on Twitter, writing: ‘Putting love into the world comes back 3x…grateful for everyone who reached out and prayed.
;This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!’
It comes as the Buffalo Bills also released an update on Saturday with positive news about the 24-year-old’s health.
“According to UC Medical Center physicians, Damar is making continued progress in his recovery, but remains in critical condition,” the statement said.
He continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent.
The Bills got a big surprise Friday when Hamlin FaceTimed them, saying “I love you guys” and flexing the muscles in his arm after his breathing tube was removed.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott spoke to the press after the interaction with Hamlin and attempted to describe the scene to reporters, but conceded that he “probably won’t be able to do it justice.”
“Amazing, moving, to see Damar,” McDermott began. ‘Not. 1, through my own eyes.
‘I know it’s something I’ve been waiting for, kind of needed to see, I guess. And then see the reaction in the room with the players, the coaching staff and the team.
Hamlin collapsed and had to be resuscitated on the field after going into cardiac arrest following a tackle with the Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins during the first quarter of a Monday Night Football game.
Hamlin (No. 3) got to his feet briefly after making a tackle on Tee Higgins before falling backwards in shocking scenes as the Buffalo Bills played the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin collapsed moments later, falling backwards and lying motionless on the ground.
The Bills player was rushed to hospital and Higgins addressed the well wishes sent to Hamlin on Twitter, writing: ‘My thoughts and prayers are with @HamlinIslandthe Hamlin Family. I’m praying you pull through, brother. Love.’
On the play, the 6-foot, 200-pound Hamlin was injured, Higgins leading with his right shoulder, which struck the defense in the chest. Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins’ shoulders and helmet to drag him down.
Hamlin scrambled to his feet, appeared to adjust his mask with his right hand, then fell back about three seconds later and lay still.
The Bills safety was surrounded by players from both sides and treated for 16 minutes before being pinned and carried off the field. As medical personnel gathered around Hamlin, they cut off his game uniform.
Bills players were shocked and stunned when their teammate received emergency treatment.
Players from both teams were visibly stunned by what happened, with many crying on the field.
Many players accepted, including Buffalo quarterbacks Josh Allen and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. The game was postponed by the NFL and has since been cancelled.
The Bills return to action on Sunday against the New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, players from the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs warmed up wearing Hamlin’s No. 3 jerseys before Saturday’s game.