Damar Hamlin writes, ‘did we win?’ ‘The answer is yes, Damar, you won the game of life,’ doc replies
Damar Hamlin is communicating, doctors revealed Thursday.
The Buffalo Bills safety, who can’t speak because of a tube in his throat, wrote out the question: Did we win?
Dr. Timothy Pritts said in a conference call that neurological signs of improvement began Wednesday night as Hamlin gradually woke up, with the rest of his body healing.
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“Last night he was able to emerge and follow commands and even asked who had won the game,” Pritts said.
The game was suspended after Hamlin collapsed and it hasn’t been determined if or when it will resume.
“The answer is yes, Damar, you won the game of life,” Pritts said.
Dr. William Knight credited the quick medical response with saving Hamlin’s life.
He said a physician was within Hamlin’s side within a minute of him collapsing and recognized that the defensive back did not have a pulse. Knight said Hamlin required CPR and resuscitation on the field.
“It’s been a long and difficult road for the last three days … he has made a pretty remarkable improvement,” Knight said.
The second-year player spent the past two days sedated and listed in critical condition.
Hamlin was hurt in the first quarter when he was struck squarely in the chest while making what appeared to be routine tackle of Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin briefly got up and adjusted his facemask before collapsing.
Hamlin was selected by Buffalo in the sixth round of the 2021 draft out of Pitt. He spent his rookie season limited to special teams roles, and took over the starting safety job in Week 3 in place of veteran Micah Hyde, who remains sidelined by a neck injury.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.