‘You won the game of life’: Damar Hamlin receives positive update from doctors
‘You won the game of life’: Damar Hamlin receives positive update from doctors originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field in the team's Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to cardiac arrest. Since then, fans and supporters from around the world have been anxiously awaiting a positive update, and they received just that.
It was reported on Thursday afternoon that Hamlin has movement in his hands and feet and was able to communicate with doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center through writing.
This is a remarkable improvement over the last four days following the scary collision that caused Hamlin to lose his pulse momentarily on the field.
UC Health doctors said Hamlin even asked who had won the game between his Bills and the Bengals after waking up in the intensive care unit.
"We are in the situation where we wanted to allow him to gradually wake up as the rest of his body was healing and last night, he was able to emerge and follow commands and even ask who had won the game," said Dr. Timothy Pritts.
"When he asked, 'did we win?' the answer is, yes, you know, Damar, you won. You've won the game of life and that's probably the important thing out of this, and we really need to keep him in the center of everything else that's going on, and we really want to ensure a good outcome for him," he said.
The exciting new update made its way to social media and many were immediately touched and grateful to hear about such a positive turn in Hamlin's ongoing recovery:
God is good. The news that Damar Hamlin has movement in his hands and feet and was able to communicate with doctors is the good news I needed on this Thursday. Keep those prayers coming for him as he continues to recover
— MK Burgess (@MK_Burgess) January 5, 2023
#Bills S Damar Hamlin opened his eyes last night and is responsive. Truly incredible. One thing that's very clear from speaking to those close to him: They are endlessly appreciative of the medical care given to Hamlin on the field immediately, then over the last 72 hours.
— Officially Benched (@O_Benched) January 5, 2023
This press conference by the UC doctors caring for Damar Hamlin is incredibly uplifting and encouraging.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 5, 2023
UC Health Medical Center physicians on Damar Hamlin since awakening: "He's held many people's hands."
Lots of family, friends and supporters have been alongside Hamlin this week.— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 5, 2023
"You won. You won the game of life," the UC Medical physicians told him. https://t.co/CsICVfQD82
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 5, 2023
"It's not just that the lights are on. He's home. It appears all the cylinders are firing in his brain." -- Doctors on Damar Hamlin
— Sal Capaccio ð (@SalSports) January 5, 2023
You have to absolutely adore people like Damar Hamlin. Theyâre truly 1 in 1,000,000. 1st thing he wrote on paper when he opened his eyes:
âWho won the gameâ?
No words, man. No words. #BillsMafia #Bills
Until he comes home.— Rodney White (@Whitediculous) January 5, 2023
Damar Hamlin â¤ï¸ thats the tweet
— ABâ¡ï¸ (@BahaBlastt) January 5, 2023
President Joe Biden was also sure to share his words of support after speaking to Hamlin's parents “at length.”
Great news.
Damar, like I told your mom and dad yesterday, Jill and I â along with all of America â are praying for you and your family. https://t.co/c838glXNE2— President Biden (@POTUS) January 5, 2023
When will the Bills-Bengals game resume?
The NFL will not resume the Bills-Bengals game and the league has not made any changes to the Week 18 regular-season schedule. The Bengals will host the Ravens, while the Bills will host the Patriots, both set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
At this point, fans and players are more focused on Hamlin's health and excited about his continued improvement.