Seattle Seahawks fans hold signs in honor of Damar Hamlin. Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, 24, has been discharged from the hospital Wednesday, more than a week after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during a game, the Bills said.
The big picture: Hamlin's recovery continues to progress after multiple evaluations and tests — a positive development that many of the NFL's players, fans and coaches will welcome with open arms.
Driving the news: Ahead of his release Wednesday, Hamlin went through a "comprehensive medical evaluation" and "a series of cardiac, neurological and vascular testing on Tuesday," according to the Bills.
- Hamlin was transferred to Buffalo General Medical Center from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center earlier this week, the team said.
What they're saying: “We have completed a series of tests and evaluations, and in consultation with the team physicians, we are confident that Damar can be safely discharged to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills,” Dr. Jamie Nadler, a critical care physician and the care team lead for Hamlin, said in a statement Wednesday, per the Bills.
- On Tuesday, Hamlin said that he was “still doing” and “passing a bunch of” tests.
- “Special thank-you to Buffalo General it’s been nothing but love since arrival! Keep me in y’all prayers please!” Hamlin tweeted Tuesday.
Catch up quick: The Bills safety suffered from cardiac arrest on Jan. 2 during a "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Medical personnel gave him oxygen and administered CPR, as well as used an automated external defibrillator to restore his heartbeat.
- He needed to be resuscitated before he was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Hamlin was in critical condition at the Ohio hospital before recovering.
- The Bills safety was moved to Buffalo General in what was the "beginning of the next stage of his recovery," physician William Knight IV said at a news conference.
The reaction from NFL players and coaches to Damar Hamlin's collapse showed how common it is now for athletes to speak openly about mental health, Axios’ Jeff Tracy and Tina Reed write.
- Players have been openly expressing their feelings over Hamlin’s injury, which has shown a culture shift for athletes of a macho sport.