by Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin was released from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and transferred to a Buffalo hospital, doctors said during a conference call Monday.
Hamlin tweeted that he was taken to Buffalo General Medical Center where he will continue his recovery, a week after he was revived after suffering cardiac arrest during a game.
“He is doing well and this is the beginning of the next phase of recovery,” said Dr. William A. Knight IV.
“We continue to be ecstatic about the recovery,” added Dr. Timothy Pritts.
Doctors were able to upgrade Hamlin from critical to fair or good condition Monday morning, allowing doctors to clear him to fly home from Cincinnati to Buffalo.
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‘LOVE HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING’:Bills’ Damar Hamlin thanks well-wishers in post
Hamlin met a number of “key milestones,” doctors said, including walking around the intensive care unit with assisted assistance and tolerating a regular diet. He had the breathing tube removed early Friday, and could have assisted walks later in the day.
Doctors said Hamlin is walking normally but is still weak. Regaining strength is also a step in the recovery process. Hamlin’s brain and neurological function are normal.
During the Bills game on Sunday, when running back Nyheim Hines returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, “Hamlin jumped up and down, got out of his chair and, I think, set off every alarm in the ICU in the process,” Pritts said.
“He was fine. It was just a very appropriate act for a very exciting game.”
Hamlin will continue to undergo tests to determine what caused his cardiac arrest, and it is still too early to determine if he can return to playing football, doctors said.
“It’s far too early not only to discuss his footballing future,” Knight said. “He’s got quite a way to go with his recovery.”
Hamlin has been active on social media since Saturday, sharing his gratitude for the nationwide support he’s received, and during the Bills game on Sunday when he called out several players in Buffalo’s win over the New England Patriots.
Hamlin also shared a photo Sunday of himself wearing a No. 3 hat and a “Love for Damar” shirt while in his hospital bed with his parents by his side before watching the Bills game.
Although he was happy to see the game, he wished he could join his teammates on the field for their match.
“GameDay.. Nothing I Want More Than To Be Running Out That Tunnel With My Brothers,” Hamlin said in a Twitter post. “God is using me in a different way today. Tell someone you love them today!”
Hamlin’s GoFundMe page, to collect donations for the Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive, has received more than $8.6 million in donations as of Monday afternoon.
