Damar Hamlin is No Longer Using a Breathing Tube

The Buffalo Bills released a statement on Friday (Jan. 6) confirming that Damar Hamlin is no longer using a breathing tube and can communicate with his family and teammates.

The statement read: “Per the physicians at UCMC, 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. Damar Hamlin Facetimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches. What he said to the team: ‘Love you boys.’”

Bills head coach Sean McDermott shared that the team was surprised with a FaceTime call from Hamlin that was met with a thunderous ovation. Although the breathing tube is removed, it’s still difficult to speak so Hamlin used hand signals and signs to communicate. “He flexed on them…he made the heart symbol…then he gave them a thumbs up,” McDermott said.

The miraculous news comes after the football player’s doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center shared that Hamlin was making  “substantial improvement in his condition” during a press conference on Thursday (Jan. 5).

Damar Hamlin was rushed to the hospital after taking a hard hit during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday. The hit triggered a heart attack and he was revived with CPR and AED treatment. He was rushed to the hospital and there has been an outpour of support online from fans and fellow athletes.

Hamlin’s uncle Dorrian Glenn said in a text via NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe that he and the family were grateful for the “unification around Damar in this country.”

“We are absolutely blessed. I believe that the prayers he received from everyone across America have truly impacted his remarkable recovery,” Glenn wrote. “We are forever grateful for the concern and compassion that everyone has demonstrated this past week. Talking with my nephew has been an amazing experience this morning.”