American footballer Damar Hamlin is breathing on his own and now able to talk following a dramatic on-field collapse.

In a statement on Friday, the Buffalo Bills said their 24-year-old player’s “neurologic function remains intact”, and that he has “been able to talk to his family and care team”.

It is also reported he joined a meeting with his team via FaceTime and told them: “Love you boys”.

The news came just four days after Hamlin‘s heart had to be re-started twice after he suddenly fell to the ground and went into cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

On Thursday, he was said to still be in “critical condition” at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

The player first began to communicate by writing, and was then able to grip people’s hands.

Dr Timothy Pritts, from the hospital, said: “We know that it’s not only that the lights are on – we know that he’s home.

“And it appears that all the cylinders are firing within his brain, which is greatly gratifying for all of us.

“He still has significant progress he needs to make, but this marks a really good turning point in his ongoing care.”

Read more:
‘Very rare – the perfect storm’: Cardiologist on what may have been behind Hamlin’s collapse

Medical staff were forced to rush onto the field in Cincinnati on Monday to give the Buffalo Bills safety CPR for about 10 minutes. An ambulance then drove onto the pitch as the crowd fell silent, and his teammates huddled to pray.

Two years ago, the football world was sent into shock at the Euro 2020 championship when Danish national and current Manchester United player Christian Eriksen similarly collapsed on the playing field.

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