"He became America's nephew"-Damar Hamlin's uncle thanks NFL fans, hails Bills safety's miraculous recovery after cardiac arrest

NFL fans were left speechless on Monday night as Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after a routine tackle. Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest event on the field at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati that required him to be resuscitated on the field and once again at the stadium.

In the days since, everyone has held out hope for good news. As the week went on the news and his prognosis became brighter. Hamlin is now awake and breathing on his own and has all cognitive functions. Hamlin's family has continued to thank both the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals organizations and fan bases as well as the league for their support.

On Friday morning, NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, who has been one of the reporters that has been in contact with Damar's family all week, read a text message from his uncle. Dorian Glenn once again thanked everyone for their support through this difficult time and said that while Damar has always been his nephew, he is now America's nephew.

“Damar may have been my nephew Monday night by the end of the week, he became America’s nephew.”- Dorian Glenn

The touching words coming from Damar's uncle show the kind of support the family has felt. One of the ways that many have shown their support for the Buffalo Bills' second-year safety is through donations to his toy drive. The GoFundMe Page, which he originally established in 2020 started with a goal of $2,500 and has since raised over $7 million.

Damar Hamlin FaceTimed team meeting on Friday morning

The Buffalo Bills were completely distraught after watching their teammate Damar Hamlin suffer a cardiac arrest event on Monday night. His condition improved throughout the week and he awoke on Thursday and immediately asked, in writing, if the Bills had won the game.

Overnight, the Bills safety had his breathing tube removed and was able to surprise his teammates with a morning FaceTime call during the Buffalo Bills team meeting. He told his teammates that he loved them and everyone can imagine what the feeling was like in the room when they were able to see and hear him.

“Love you boys.”

The Buffalo Bills will honor their teammate by wearing a #3 patch on their jerseys. Teams across the National Football League will each have their own way of honoring him as well this weekend.