'You survived!': Fans rejoice at Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin's first video update since cardiac arrest
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK: Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin took to Instagram on Saturday, January 28, to share his first public message since suffering a cardiac arrest on January 2. Hamlin was hospitalized after his heart stopped unexpectedly during a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2. He was initially taken to a hospital in Cincinnati and later transferred to a hospital in Buffalo after his condition improved.
Buffalo Bills informed on January 11 that Hamlin, 24, was released from the Buffalo General Medical Center after undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation and a series of cardiac, neurological, and vascular testing. While making the announcement, the club quoted Jamie Nadler, MD, critical care physician and the care team lead for Hamlin as saying, "We are confident that Damar can be safely discharged to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills."
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Taking to Instagram on Saturday, January 28, Hamlin released a video thanking his fans for their support and promising them that he will pay it back. “I think it was important for me to wait and speak publicly at the right time as it was just a lot to process within my own self mentally, physically, even spiritually. It's just been a lot to process, but I can't tell you how appreciative I am of all the love, all the support and everything that's just been coming in my way,” Hamlin is heard saying in the video. Concluding his message in the video captioned 'From the Heart', Hamlin said, “While I’m so thankful to everybody, I know that it isn’t enough just to be thankful. This is just the beginning of the impact that I wanted to have on the world."
'Best thing I have seen on Instagram in a long time': Netizens send Hamlin their love and support
The comments section to Hamlin's post has been flooded with heart emojis and remarks describing him as "The Hero". Extending his love and support to the Buffalo Bills safety, an Instagram user wrote, "Best thing I have seen on Instagram in a long time. Great message. Damar, many didn’t know you before MNF. This tragic situation has given you a platform it seems you intend to use it wisely. Best of luck to you!!!"
Expressing that they stayed up all night waiting for updates on Hamlin's condition, a second user commented, "God works in mysterious ways and I feel this happened to you for a reason. As bad as it was you survived and ate getting stronger everyday. Your foundation has flourished ever since and that is amazing. I hope you're journey from now on leads you back to the NFL and your foundation strives beyond what you ever could imagine." "GOD be the glory brother," wrote a third user.
