When Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin woke up Wednesday night after he went into cardiac arrest Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals, his first question to University of Cincinnati physicians was: "Did we win?"
The game was suspended and hasn't since resumed, but for the physicians, there was a clear winner.
"Yes, Damar, you've won. You've won the game of life," said Dr. Timothy Pritts Thursday, paraphrasing for one of his partners.
Hamlin cannot speak because of a breathing tube in his throat, but is communicating by writing.
Dr. Pritts said he's made a "substantial improvement" in the last 24 hours, calling it "a really good turning point in his ongoing care" since the 24-year-old's sudden collapse after a routine hit shook the sports world.
Beyond making improvements, Dr. Pritts said Hamlin appears to be "intellectually intact" — something his awareness in asking specific questions further indicates.
"His first question that he wrote when he started to awaken was 'did we win?,' so it's not only that the lights are on, but he's home," said Dr. Pritts. "Appears that all the cylinders are firing in his brain."
Hamlin remains in intensive care and still has significant progress to make, Dr. Pritts said.
Dr. William Knight, who sat alongside Dr. Pitts, credited what he called a "textbook" medical response by the Bills staff with saving Hamlin's life.
In the days since Hamlin's cardiac arrest on the field, people across the United States and beyond have rallied in his support with an outpouring of prayers on social media and donations to his Chasing M's Foundation, a community toy drive with an initial goal of $2,500 which has raised more than $7 million.
"(Hamlin) expressed surprise that he had been not with the world for two days," said Dr. Pritts, "we talked to him about all the support that's been given from Cincinnati, Buffalo and really across the country for him and his family during this time."
With news of his improved condition and his victory in the game of life, the outpouring on social media continued with heartwarming messages for No. 3.
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