When Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest in Monday night’s game against the Bengals, a wave of concern and emotion swept through the NFL. Nearly a week later, that’s still the case for some.
Saturday, ESPN analyst and former NFL coach Rex Ryan broke down in tears on the network’s “NFL Countdown” show while discussing Hamlin and the frightening incident.
“When he came out [and said] ‘Did we win?'” Ryan, choking up, said, referring to Hamlin’s first question shortly after waking up from sedation on Wednesday night.
Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) falls to the turf during a game against the Bengals on Jan. 2, 2023. AP“We needed that. As fans, we needed it,” Ryan continued. “This guy is a legend. You talk about a fighter? Dang right he’s a fighter. He’s a dang legend. Thank you. I needed it, as a dad, as a coach, and as a fan of this game. I needed it.”
As for Hamlin, his condition continues to improve even as he remains hospitalized.
On Saturday, the Bills tweeted that Hamlin is still in critical condition but continues to breathe on his own and that his neurological function is “excellent.” A day earlier, he reportedly “flexed his arm” during a video call with Bills coaches and teammates.
“Don’t apologize,” host Sam Ponder said, consoling Ryan as he said he was sorry. “A lot of people felt that way.”
