NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sends letter to fans after Damar Hamlin’s ‘amazing progress’ in hospital following his on-field cardiac arrest – as he expresses gratitude for the work of medics staff and hopes the Bills safety can watch his team tomorrow
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to football fans following Damar Hamlin’s ‘encouraging progress’ in the hospital after his on-field cardiac arrest during the first quarter of Monday’s Bills-Bengals game.
The 24-year-old was showing encouraging signs at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center as his breathing tube was removed after he was resuscitated on the field during Monday Night Football.
Buffalo team coach Sean McDermott also revealed that Hamlin spoke to the team, saying ‘love you boys’ via a FaceTime call on Friday and flexing his arm muscles for his surprised Bills teammates.
Roger Goodell (R) sends letter to football fans after Damar Hamlin’s (L) ‘inspiring progress’
There are league-wide tributes lined up to support Hamlin this weekend where all 32 NFL teams can offer a pregame moment of support, wearing t-shirts with Hamlin’s name and number while the numbers three in the fields can be colored with Bills.
Before the final regular season weekend, league commissioner Goodell took the time to speak to fans last week.
He said: ‘To Our Fans: Damar Hamlin’s encouraging progress over the past few days has lifted the spirits of the entire NFL and football fans across the country.
There are awards around the league to support Hamlin this weekend, including special shirts
‘While his recovery is just beginning, we thank the NFL’s medical personnel and the medical staff from both teams whose emergency action likely saved his life. We are also grateful to the professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who cared for Damar and continue to oversee his care.
‘Seeing the entire NFL family — teams, players, coaches and fans like you — together is another reminder that football is family: human, loving and strong.
‘This weekend, players and coaches from all 32 teams will wear “Love for Damar 3” T-shirts during pre-game warmups in a league-wide show of support for Damar.
‘I am very hopeful that with his continued development, there is a good chance that Damar himself will be watching his teammates. We are grateful and humbled by all who played his part as he continued on his road to recovery.
‘On behalf of the entire NFL, thank you. Roger Goodell.’
The football world was 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 many making donations.
