Damar Hamlin suffered from cardiac arrest when he collapsed during a game on Monday night.

Originally published on January 3, 2023, at 11:25 a.m.
Updated on January 10, 2023, at 10:47 a.m.:

Buffalo Bills' safety Damar Hamlin, 24, is in the "beginning of the next stage of his recovery" at Buffalo General Medical Center. After nearly a week at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Hamlin was transported to Buffalo General on Monday.

Hamlin even took to Twitter to share his thanks to the medical staff and news of his returning home to Buffalo.

"We shared last time that we were with you that our ultimate goal was to get Damar back home to his amazing family and broader Buffalo family. Well, Dr. [Timothy] Pritts and I are thrilled and proud on behalf of UC to report to you that Damar Hamlin has been released and returned back to Buffalo," Dr. Knight said. 

"He landed safely and is as standard as anybody who has gone through what he’s gone through this last week and certainly after flying on a plane. He is going to be observed and monitored to ensure that there is no impact on the flight of his condition or on his lungs."

Last week, we heard of Hamlin's improvements, with teammate Kaiir Elam releasing the news of Hamlin being awake.

"Our boy is doing better, awake and showing more signs of improvement. Thank you God," he tweeted. "Keep the prayers coming please. All love 3!"

Hamlin collapsed mid-game on Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals and suffered cardiac arrest as a result of a tackle.

Hamlin's heart stopped on the field but was restored by medical staff. He was then transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals player involved in the tackle, has reportedly reached out to Hamlin's family, according to Jordon Rooney, Hamlin's friend and marketing representative.

"Tee has reached out, Tee has been supportive," Rooney said. "It was a freak accident. It was nothing that Tee could control."

In a statement last week, the Buffalo Bills said, "Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in the Buffalo Bills' game versus the Cincinnati Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition."

The Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game was postponed following Hamlin's collapse, with the NFL stating Tuesday that the game will not resume.

A memo was sent to all NFL teams on Tuesday, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell writing:

"During last night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field. Damar experienced cardiac arrest and was promptly resuscitated by on-site club physicians and independent medical personnel, all of whom are highly trained in implementing the plans for medical emergencies. Damar was stabilized and transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, a Level One trauma center, where he remains in the ICU.
After speaking with both teams and NFLPA leadership, I decided to postpone last night’s game and have our focus remain on Damar and his family. We are in regular contact with both clubs and with the medical team caring for Damar and will share additional information as we receive it.
Earlier today, the Head of Player Engagement and Team Clinician for each club received information from Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti about mental health and support resources that are available to your players and staff. Additional resources including on-site services can be available for any club that wishes this assistance. If your club would like to make use of these additional resources, please have your Player Engagement lead or Team Clinician contact Dr. NiiLampti.
A short time ago, and after discussions with the two teams and the NFLPA, we advised Buffalo and Cincinnati that last night’s game will not be resumed this week. No decision has been made regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date and we have not announced any changes to this weekend’s schedule. We will promptly advise all clubs of any decisions that are made regarding these matters. If you have any questions in the meantime, please call me or any of our senior staff."

On Tuesday afternoon, the NFL Players Association tweeted that its "focus remains on Damar." Multiple other NFL teams have also canceled pre-scheduled media availabilities for Tuesday.

Hamlin's family then released a statement, saying, "On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country ... We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they've done. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us."

Mike Brown, the owner of the Bengals, released a statement:

A GoFundMe toy drive, which was organized by Damar Hamlin in 2020, crossed $8.7 million dollars. 

"Following his injury on the field tonight, fans across the country are showing their support for him and his family by donating to his fundraiser," GoFundMe tweeted Monday night.

*This is an ongoing story and will be updated accordingly. Stay with OurCommunityNow.com for the latest!