Damar Hamlin breathing on his own, able to talk after on-field collapse

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is able to breathe on his own and talk after collapsing on-field during a game Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, team officials said Friday.

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

“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.”

Officials added that Hamlin appeared virtually in Friday’s team meeting.

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

Hamlin has been in the intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center since Monday, after he fell to the ground moments after tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter of the Bills-Bengals game. Doctors said he had to be resuscitated at least once at Paycor Stadium after he suffered a cardiac arrest.

It remained unclear Friday what caused the cardiac arrest.

Doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center said Hamlin began to regain consciousness Wednesday and that he was able to communicate through writing. He was not able to talk, as he remained on a ventilator.

“We wanted to allow him to gradually ... wake up, as the rest of his body was healing,” trauma surgeon Dr. Timothy Pritts said at a news conference Thursday. “Last night he was able to emerge and follow commands and even ask who had won the game.”

Officials with the NFL on Thursday announced that the Bills-Bengals game will not be resumed after it was indefinitely suspended following Hamlin’s collapse. In a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell thanked medical personnel for their work caring for Hamlin.

“This has been a difficult week,” he said. “We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country.”

Supporters have flocked to donate to an online fundraiser started by Hamlin and aimed at raising funds for a toy drive. As of Friday morning, the GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $7.8 million.

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