Still a long recovery ahead, says a friend

Damar Hamlin’s remarkable recovery still has a ways to go.

There was hope Hamlin would attend a Bills playoff game and has been at the team’s facility almost daily, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Still, Hamlin’s friend and marketing representative Jordon Rooney offered a stark reminder of what lies ahead for the 24-year-old safety.

Hamlin still faces a lengthy rehabilitation about three weeks after he went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field during a game in Cincinnati, his marketing representative told The Associated Press on Thursday night.

“Damar still needs oxygen and his heart is monitored regularly to make sure there are no mishaps or after effects,” Jordon Rooney said. “While he is able to visit team facilities, Damar is not in a condition to travel often and needs additional rest to help his body heal.”

Rooney provided the update to emphasize that Hamlin still faces obstacles since being released from Buffalo General Medical Center on Jan. 11. Hamlin’s release came five days after his doctors said the player was breathing on his own, walking, talking and showing no signs of neurological damage. .

Damar Hamlin before a game in 2021Getty ImagesA Bills fan supports Damar Hamlin during the NFL playoffsAP

Rooney’s update also gave perspective to comments made by Bills coach McDermott, who said Wednesday that Hamlin had begun making regular visits to the team’s facility. McDermott, however, stressed that Hamlin was taking it “one step at a time,” while adding that Hamlin is “getting his toe back here and starting the road back to himself.”

Hamlin has yet to make a public appearance, except for a photo of linebacker Matt Milano he posted on his Instagram account Saturday of his teammate at the Bills facility. And she has yet to speak publicly, except for posting messages on her social media accounts.

Rooney said Hamlin is being watched by his parents and “is very optimistic and thankful for the support he has received from his teammates and coaches, the Bills Mafia and people around the world.” This outpouring of support has seen Hamlin’s charitable foundation, Chasing M’s, raise nearly $9 million in donations.

Jordon Rooney during a “Good Morning America” ​​interview.Good Morning America/YouTube

Without saying where, he added, Hamlin will cheer on the Bills on Sunday, when Buffalo hosts Cincinnati in an AFC divisional playoff game.

Hamlin live-tweeted while watching Buffalo’s 35-23 season-finale win over New England from his hospital bed at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Jan. 8. Last weekend, he live-tweeted while watching the Bills’ 34-31 loss from home. beat Miami in a wild card playoff.

The game against Cincinnati has added significance. It is the first meeting between the two teams since their game was called off on Jan. 2, when Hamlin collapsed after being hit squarely in the chest while making what appeared to be a routine tackle by the Bengals wide receiver. , Tee Higgins.

Hamlin’s family and Bills quarterback Josh Allen have defended Higgins, saying he should not be blamed for what happened.

Bills and Bengals players pray for Damar Hamlin after he collapsed on the fieldGetty Images

On Thursday, Higgins said he couldn’t be more appreciative of the family’s support, while also hoping Hamlin could make it to the game so the two could meet.

“Be glad to see him,” said Higgins. “I haven’t really talked to him. Just letting his family do what they need to do with all their loved ones.”

Also Thursday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul extended her support to Hamlin during a phone call with the player. In a message posted on his Twitter account, Hochul referred to Hamlin as “an inspiration” and let him know that “the hopes and prayers of 20 million New Yorkers have been with him during his recovery.”

Bills fans support Damar Hamlin Getty Images

Hamlin, who is from the Pittsburgh area, responded by writing that it was great meeting Hochul and that he was “excited to see how our future collaborations will help and impact so many.”

— With AP

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