Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been released from a Cincinnati hospital a week after going into cardiac arrest during an NFL game and has returned to Buffalo, New York, doctors said Monday.

Doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC), where Hamlin spent last week, said he traveled well by air and will continue to be monitored by a care team in Buffalo.

“As standard with anyone who has been through what he went through in the past week, and certainly after flying on a plane, he will be observed and monitored to ensure there is no impact on the flight of his condition or his lungs.” The doctor told reporters.

“I can confirm that he is doing well and this is the start of the next stage of his recovery.

He also said that since Friday Hamlin had been up with physical and occupational therapy walking around the unit with “a normal gait” tolerate a regular diet and meet with family and many members of the care team.

“Grateful for the amazing care I received at UCMC. Happy to be back in Buffalo.” Hamlin wrote on Twitter.

The 24-year-old collapsed during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals last Monday moments after making a tackle and then had to restore his heart on the field as stunned players from both teams cried, prayed and hugged each other.

But Hamlin quickly made notable strides in his recovery when he woke up two days later, had his breathing tube removed on Friday and then watched the Bills’ regular-season finale from his bed on Sunday.

Hamlin was recognized in the NFL over the weekend as players from all teams donned Hamlin-inspired apparel, while supportive moments for him were recognized at various stadiums.

The Bills wore “Three” patches on their uniforms honoring Hamlin’s jersey number, while many fans held signs in support of the NFL sophomore and the first responders who helped save his life.

January 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States; A message on the scoreboard in support of the injured Buffalo Bills and former Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Damar Hamlin is displayed during the first half between the Pittsburgh Panthers and Virginia Cavaliers basketball teams at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

‘AMAZING FEEL’

Hamlin said on Twitter that he is now at Buffalo General Medical Center, where the doctors and nurses have already made him feel at home.

“Seeing the world rally around me on Sunday was truly an incredible feeling.” tweeted.

“The same love that all of you have shown me is the same love that I plan to give back to the world and more.”

While Hamlin surprised his teammates on a video call last Friday and again after Sunday’s game, Bills head coach Sean McDermott told reporters that having him back in Buffalo was an added boost for the team. players.

“Like anything else, when you have your family around, it feels good. Feel better,” McDermott said. “It’s good to know he’s around.”

Bengals coach Zac Taylor was also relieved to learn of Hamlin’s return to Buffalo.

“That is incredible,”. “I mean, just think about it, that was a week ago, not even a week. No one in this room would have expected you to be in Buffalo.

“God is great. He works miracles. This is certainly a miracle, no doubt.” Taylor told reporters

Reuters/Samuel Isaias