NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sends letter to fans after Damar Hamlin’s ‘inspiring progress’ in the hospital following his on-field cardiac arrest – as he expresses gratitude to work of medical staff and hopes Bills safety can watch his team tomorrow
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has sent a letter to football fans following Damar Hamlin‘s ‘inspiring progress’ in the hospital after his on-field cardiac arrest in the first quarter of Bills-Bengals on Monday.
The 24-year-old is showing encouraging signs at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center as his breathing tube has been removed after he was resuscitated on the field during Monday Night Football.
Buffalo team coach Sean McDermott also revealed Hamlin talked to the team, saying ‘love you boys’ via a FaceTime call on Friday and flexed his arm muscles for his surprised Bills teammates.
Roger Goodell (R) has sent a letter to football fans after Damar Hamlin’s (L) ‘inspiring progress’
There are league-wide tributes in place to support Hamlin this weekend with all 32 NFL teams able to offer a pregame moment of support, wear t-shirts with Hamlin’s name and number on while the number threes on fields may be painted in Bills colors.
Ahead of the final regular season weekend, league commissioner Goodell took the time to address the last week with fans.
He said: ‘To our fans: Damar Hamlin’s inspiring progress over the past few days has lifted the spirits of the entire NFL and football fans across the country.
There are league-wide tributes to support Hamlin this weekend, including special shirts
‘3’ jersey patches will be worn by the Bills when they host the Patriots in Week 18 this weekend
‘While his recovery is just beginning, we thank the NFL medical personnel and the medical staffs from both teams whose emergency action quite likely saved his life. We are also grateful to the professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who tended to Damar and continue to oversee his care.
‘Seeing the entire NFL family — teams, players, coaches, and fans like you — band together was yet another reminder that football is family: human, loving and resilient.
‘This weekend, players and coaches from all 32 teams will wear “Love for Damar 3” T-shirts during pregame warmups in a league-wide show of support for Damar.
‘I’m deeply hopeful that with his continued progress, there is a good chance Damar himself will be watching his teammates. We are grateful for and humbled by all who played a role as he continues on his road to recovery.
‘On behalf of the entire NFL, thank you. Roger Goodell.’
The world of football has united following the horrifying moment when Hamlin collapsed on Monday.
The player’s Toy Drive GoFundMe page has surpassed $8million with the likes of Jim Irsay, Robert Kraft and Tom Brady among the many to make donations.
The 12-3 Bills, who face the New England Patriots on Sunday, can claim the top seed in the AFC playoffs despite the cancelation of Monday’s game.
The possible Bills-Kansas City Chiefs AFC title game will be held at a neutral site after the NFL decided playoff outcomes Friday.
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