‘Sudden cardiac arrest occurs in about 1 or 2 of every 100,000 young athletes each year, according to the Sports Institute at UW Medicine in Washington, which researches ways to make sports participation safer. Outcomes for people that sustain a cardiac arrest typically depend on where it happens and the available medical tools. In the cases of Pronger and Hamlin, all of the necessary emergency workers and equipment were on hand.’
BillsBeat - January 7, 2023
Damar Hamlin Has Breathing Tube Removed and Is Talking
‘Hamlin was speaking by video chat on Friday to teammates and coaches, as they met in preparation for a game on Sunday against the New England Patriots. In a news conference with reporters, Bills Coach Sean McDermott said he surprised the team with a “treat,” and the players gave Hamlin a standing ovation when they saw him onscreen.’
Damar Hamlin spoke to his team after breathing tube was removed overnight
‘Hamlin later spoke via video call to his Bills teammates and coaches, according to the team.’
Damar Hamlin gives ‘amazing’ message to Bills on FaceTime
‘When Hamlin appeared on the screen, players stood up and started clapping. They yelled, too. Hamlin made hand signals and gestures — like a heart symbol — and flexed both biceps for his teammates. And somewhere in the middle of that, McDermott said during a press conference Friday, Hamlin told his teammates, “I love you boys.”’
Bills broadcaster John Murphy suffered stroke before Monday night game
‘The 67-year-old Murphy has called Bills games for WGR since 2004; he was also the color analyst on the games from 1984-89 and 1994-2003.’
Damar Hamlin no longer needs breathing tube in huge recovery step
‘“There are many steps still ahead of him. We’d like to see him continue to improve and breathing on his own, then to be ready to be discharged from the hospital,” Dr. Timothy Pritts said. “His family has been with him at his bedside and members of the Bills organization and we’d really like to get him home to them. Those are immediate next steps and then we will plan for the future.”’
Meet Bills trainer Denny Kellington, the Oklahoma native who helped save Damar Hamlin
‘Kellington is being hailed as a hero, and rightfully so. Thursday afternoon, doctors who have been treating Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center since he was injured during Monday night’s game against the Bengals announced he was not only awake but also responsive. He was squeezing the hands of medical staff and loved ones as well as communicating in writing.’
Why doesn't NFL have playoff scenario putting potential Bills-Bengals rematch at neutral site?
‘However one possibility the league didn’t create a provision for is a potential Bills-Bengals rematch. If the current seedings hold, No. 2 Buffalo (12-3) would host No. 3 Cincinnati (11-4) in the divisional round. Conversely, if both teams wind up 12-4, the Bengals would be ranked higher based on the strength of victory tiebreaker and a matchup with the Bills would be staged in Cincinnati.’
How will NFL players suit up after Damar Hamlin collapse? 'Life is bigger than this game'
‘Wildgoose is now with the Washington Commanders but considers his draft partner his “brother.” Every time he thinks of Hamlin, Wildgoose becomes emotional. He doesn’t want to talk about what happened, that one of the closest friends he’s made in the NFL suffered cardiac arrest Monday – and has since made a “remarkable recovery” while still in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.’
Explainer: What Bills-Bengals Cancellation Does To Playoffs
‘The league is exploring several options, including indoor and outdoor stadiums. Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, has a potential conflict because of a volleyball tournament.’
Heart screening may not have prevented Hamlin’s collapse
‘These tests can’t detect all heart conditions and sometimes overlook ones that can be deadly. They are routine in professional sports and used by about half of NCAA programs, said Dr. Andrew Peterson, a team physician for the University of Iowa.’
Patriots' Playoff Spot On Line At Emotionally Driven Bills
‘Key Matchup: Patriots QB Mac Jones Vs. Bills pass D. With Buffalo expected to focus on stopping the Patriots running attack, the pressure will be on Jones to loosen up the Bills D with the passing game. Jones has struggled in finding his rhythm, going a combined 38 of 71 for 359 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in three meetings against Buffalo, including the playoffs. In his lone win, Jones completed just two of three attempts for 19 yards in gusty conditions at Buffalo last season.’
Bills' Hamlin Breathing On His Own, Joins Team Via Video
‘“Amazing. Touching. To see Damar, number one, through my own eyes, I know it’s something I’ve been looking forward to, kind of needing to see,” McDermott said. “And to see the players’ reaction. They stood up right away and clapped for him and yelled some things at him. It was a pretty cool exchange.”’
Damar Hamlin has breathing tube removed, FaceTimes with Bills
‘”He’s a very straightforward guy, and the amount of expression that he walked into the team room with, you already knew. If you’re smiling like this, and you have a nice little walk, Sean McDermott, it’s only one thing that you could be that happy for,” Dawkins said.’
Bills Uplifted By Hamlin's Recovery, Place Focus On Patriots
‘For Beane, the game Sunday is far more than a showdown against an AFC East rival to close the season. Instead, it represents a celebration of life in knowing Hamlin is on the road to recovery.’