‘We’re just praying for him to walk out;’ Fans share elation for Damar Hamlin’s progress

CINCINNATI — Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is now talking to his doctors and nurses at University of Cincinnati Medical Center and no longer using a breathing tube following his collapse during Monday night’s game against the Bengals and his heart stopped.

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Bills officials confirmed the development in the 24-year-old’s recovery saying that Hamlin’s breathing tube was removed overnight, in a statement on social media.

“He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery,” the Bills said. “His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team.”

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News Center 7′s Kayla McDermott spoke with two Bengals fans at UC Medical Center Friday who say it was terrifying when Hamlin fell Monday but are all smiles as he continues to get better.

“We watched the game, we seen it all come down immediately,” said Marie Brooker. “Sick to my stomach, we didn’t know nobody knew what was going on.”

They were ecstatic Thursday when Damar woke up and that his first question was if the Bills won the game.

“Laughing, that’s a football person,” she said. “That’s his heart that doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

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Brooker told McDermott she’d never thought we’d be talking about the fact Hamlin came off his ventilator on Friday.

“Never, never,” she said to her. “No, never, nope. Definitely a miracle. Definitely, yes.”

Brooker and her friend were putting up a sign and light a candle to show their support.

“God is good a lot of prayers going out,” she said. “There’s prayers from Montana, prayers from the state of Washington.”

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McDermott reports there have been prayers from all over the country but they can really be felt right here in Cincinnati.

“It’s everywhere and it’s so cool to be from a city that is so compassionate and prays together like we have,” said Brooker.

Not only are she and her friend Bengals fans, they are both Damar Hamlin fans and hope this means they will continue to hear positive updates on his health.

“We’re just praying for him to walk out of there and are praying for his family,” Brooker said.

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McDermott says they told her God is good after hearing the news.

Bills officials said Hamlin appeared virtually in Friday’s team meeting.

“What he said to the team: ‘Love you boys,’” according to the Bills.

It is great news for Hamlin who has been continuing to receive care at UC Medical Center.

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