American NFL player’s health improves after cardiac arrest

“We’re focused on the right-now,” Knight said. “He still has ways to go in terms of liberation from the ventilator.

“It’s entirely too early to speculate about the future,” Knight added, in answer to numerous questions from reporters about the long-term prognosis for Hamlin.

However, he did say that the “best case” scenario would be a return to “who he was before this happened.”
Most of the Bills players and staff have been waiting anxiously back in Buffalo for news on Hamlin’s progress.
“I’m just extremely grateful,” McDermott said of the outpouring of support from other teams, fans and the league, noting especially the reaction of Bengals coach Zac Taylor during the crisis.

Hamlin, a defensive back, collapsed after taking a hard hit in the chest while tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins during the first quarter of the nationally televised game in Cincinnati.

Medical staff who found he didn’t have a pulse restored Hamlin’s heartbeat on the field using manual CPR and defibrillators, and he was hospitalized in critical condition.

Players and personnel from both teams were clearly stunned, with some crying and praying as doctors treated him.
The NFL announced on Thursday that it was cancelling the Bills-Bengals game, saying the decision came after consultation with both teams and the NFL players’ union.

“This has been a very difficult week,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country.”

Meanwhile, the Bills are preparing to host the New England Patriots on Sunday in their final regular-season game.
Allen acknowledged that getting back to focusing on football wasn’t easy, but words from Hamlin’s father, Mario, and the encouraging news of their teammate’s progress made it easier.

“I think putting the helmet back on today was a good thing for our team, just to go through that process,” Allen said. “But I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say some people are going to be changed forever after being on the field and witnessing that and feeling those emotions.

“I think the fact that we just keep hearing good news about Damar, it just keeps pushing us forward.”