Damar Hamlin, still critical, continues recovery, tweets thanks

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -

Doctors described Damar Hamlin's neurological function as "excellent" Saturday, as the Buffalo Bills safety continued making progress in his recovery after having to be resuscitated on the field in a game at Cincinnati on Monday.

In providing their daily update on Hamlin, the Bills said the player continues to breathe on his own but remains in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Hamlin took a major step forward in his recovery on Friday when he was taken off a ventilator and showed an ability to speak.

There was a tweet on the 24-year-old's verified Twitter account Saturday evening saying that any love put into the world comes back three times as much and thanking all who have "reached out and prayed." It also said that the response to his injury will make Hamlin stronger. The tweet was followed by a heart-shaped emoji and "3."

The tweet read: "Putting love into the world comes back 3xs as much... thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed. This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!"

A couple hours after the first, there was another tweet that said, "The love is felt, & extremely real. No matter race or religion everybody coming together in prayer!"

The NFL also will show support for Hamlin during all Week 18 games, which start Saturday afternoon, including a pregame moment of support, painting Hamlin's No. 3 on the 30-yard line and pregame shirts with "Love for Damar 3." The Bills will also wear "3" jersey patches.

Hamlin also made a brief live videoconference appearance Friday for his teammates, making several hand signs and saying, "Love you boys."

Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and his heart stopped on Monday night after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter against the Bengals. The game was initially suspended before officially being cancelled later in the week.

The Bills are planning to pay tribute to Hamlin and the first-responders and medical staff who treated the player when they close the season Sunday by hosting the New England Patriots.

On Saturday, the Steelers paid tribute to Hamlin, who is from the Pittsburgh area, by delivering toys, books and teaching supplies to Kelly & Nina's Daycare, where the player hosts an annual toy drive. Fans, players and team owners have also made donations to Hamlin's Chasing M's Foundation, which has raised just more than US$8.2 million by Saturday afternoon.