Damar Hamlin speaks in video call with Bills team, says “I love you boys”

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a video call on Friday with Bills players and staff, Damar Hamlin spoke with his teammates, saying “I love you, boys.” He also flexed his muscles and made a heart sign with his hands.

In a press conference, head coach Sean McDermott said Bills players saw their teammate who went into cardiac arrest during the Monday night game at the Cincinnati Bengals.

“It was amazing, touching to see Damar through my own eyes…to watch the reaction in the room with the players and the staff and the team,” McDermott said. “…You could see the look on their eye.”

Damar spoke from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Overnight, medical staff removed Damar’s breathing tube which he has relied on since collapsing and receiving CPR during the game. Damar spoke through Zoom on the big screen at the team’s facility.

“They stood up right away and clapped there. …He was larger than life in there for us,” McDermott said.

Bills General Manager Brandon Beane said seeing Damar’s improvement has helped the team to prepare mentally for their Sunday home game against the New England Patriots. He said Bill players will wear a #3 patch on their jerseys to honor Damar.

“It’s going to be a celebration of life and ongoing life,” he said.

You can see the full conference here:

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