The player Damar Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest last Monday during a game with the Bengals, is now breathing without mechanical assistance and has been able to speak with his family, teammates, and coaches, the Buffalo Bills team officials announced on Friday.
"According to the doctors, Damar's breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to make significant progress in his recovery. His neurological function remains intact, and he has been able to speak with his family," the team announced in a statement.
The club added that the 24-year-old player participated in a video conference on Friday where he spoke with his teammates and the coaching staff.
"Damar Hamlin participated via FaceTime in our team meeting today to speak with players and coaches. What he said to the team was, 'I love you guys'," they added.
Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during the first quarter of the Bengals-Bills game last Monday. After receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), he was transported to the hospital.