Damar Hamlin posts on Instagram for the first time since his cardiac arrest

Damar Hamlin has posted on social media for the first time since his cardiac arrest on Monday, thanking fans for the support he has received in an emotional statement.

The 24-year-old was taken ill on Monday night, collapsing after making a tackle in the first quarter playing for the Bills against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had to be resuscitated on the field.

Hamlin wrote on Instagram: ‘When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much.

‘The love has been overwhelming but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung (sic) the world back together behind this.

‘If you know me you know this only gona make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me.’

Damar Hamlin has spoken out on social media for the first time since his cardiac arrest

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Hamlin, 24, says he is ‘on a long road’ but vows that the ordeal will ‘make me stronger’

He put out a similar message on Twitter, writing: ‘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!’ 

It comes as the Buffalo Bills also released an update on Saturday with positive news on the 24-year-old’s health.

‘Per the physicians at UC Medical Center, Damar is making continued progress in his recovery yet remains in critical condition,’ the statement said.

‘He continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent.’

The Bills were given a big surprise on Friday when Hamlin spoke to them via FaceTime, saying ‘love you boys’ and flexing his arm muscles following the removal of his breathing tube. 

Bills head coach Sean McDermott spoke to the press after the interaction with Hamlin and attempted to describe the scene to reporters, but admitted he ‘probably won’t be able to do it justice.’

‘Amazing, touching, to see Damar,’ McDermott began. ‘No. 1, through my own eyes. 

‘I know that’s something I’ve been looking forward to, kind of needing to see I guess. And then to watch the reaction in the room with the players and the staff and the team.’

Hamlin collapsed and had to be resuscitated on the field after suffering a cardiac arrest following a tackle with Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins during the first quarter of the Monday Night Football matchup.

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Hamlin (No. 3) got on his feet briefly after making the tackle on Tee Higgins before falling backwards in shocking scenes as the Buffalo Bills played Cincinnati Bengals

Hamlin collapsed moments later, falling backwards and laying motionless on the floor

The Bills player was rushed to the hospital and Higgins led the well wishes sent to Hamlin on Twitter, writing: ‘My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIslandthe Hamlin Family. I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love.’

On the play the 6-foot, 200-pound Hamlin was injured, Higgins led with his right shoulder, which hit the defensive back in the chest. Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins’ shoulders and helmet to drag him down. 

Hamlin quickly got to his feet, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand, and then fell backward about three seconds later and lay motionless.

The Bills safety was surrounded by players from both sides and treated for 16 minutes before being immobilized and taken off the field. While medical personnel were gathered around Hamlin, his playing uniform was cut off.

Bills players were shocked and stunned as their teammate received emergency treatment

Players on both teams were visibly stunned by what had happened and many were in tears on the field. 

Many players embraced, including quarterbacks Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. The game was postponed by the NFL and has since been canceled.

The Bills return to action on Sunday against the New England Patriots. 

Meanwhile, players for Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs warmed up wearing No 3 shirts in tribute to Hamlin before Saturday’s game.