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CINCINNATI (WJW) — Damar Hamlin is asking for continued prayers.
The young Buffalo Bills player, whose terrifying medical emergency during Monday Night Football brought all football fans together in solidarity, has taken to Instagram Saturday evening for the first time since the incident.
“When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much,” Hamlin said in the post. “The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road, keep praying for me!”
Doctors say they’re still evaluating what caused Damar Hamlin’s heart to stop after a tackle during Monday night’s game in Cincinnati. But some conditions would gone undetected, even with testing, experts say. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File) 
FILE – Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin (3) leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. Quick on-the-field emergency care from well-rehearsed medical personnel is widely credited with helping save Damar Hamlin’s life. But whether his cardiac arrest could have been prevented is much less certain. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper, File) 
Buffalo Bills fans and community members gather for a candlelight vigil for Bills safety Damar Hamlin on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Hamlin collapsed Monday while going into cardiac arrest after making what appeared to be a routine tackle during the team’s NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin was sedated and in critical condition Tuesday. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex) 
FILE – Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin with his helmet off before playing the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game, Sept. 8, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. The scenes of Hamlin’s on-field collapse after suffering cardiac arrest on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, has forced some fans to yet again confront a truth they have always known but hated to think about: Football can go from exciting and joyous to dark and tragic in a flash. Now, as the Bills defensive back remains in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital, fans are reflecting on their relationship with the sport they love. (AP Photo/John McCoy, File)
After going into cardiac arrest during the early minutes of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the 24-year-old was able to talk and breathe on his own just yesterday, after the breathing tube was taken out.
Doctors said there is still “significant progress he needs to make,” but that they are optimistic. He also reportedly talked to his teammates Friday morning, telling them “Love you boys.”
Stay with FOX 8 for the latest developments on Hamlin’s recovery.
