After Tamar Hamlin’s breathing tube was removed and he was able to speak, the Buffalo Bills told his teammates, “Love you boys.”

Buffalo Bills Defense Tamar Hamlin He is breathing on his own and able to speak after his breathing tube was removed, his agent and team said Friday — the latest step in his remarkable four-day recovery. leading to a heart attack and brought to life on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The development was first reported By The Athletic.

Hamlin’s “neurological function remains intact and he has been able to speak with his family and care team,” the Bills said in a statement Friday.

“He continues to make remarkable progress in his recovery,” Bills said said in a tweet.

In Another tweetHe joined the daily huddle with players and coaches via FaceTime and said, “Love you boys.”

Hamlin, 24, was listed in critical condition Thursday in the intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Besides communicating through writing, Hamlin was able to hold people’s hands.

“So, not only do the lights come on, but we know he’s home. And it seems like all cylinders are firing inside his brain, which makes all of us very happy,” said Dr. Timothy Pritz. “He still needs to make significant progress, but this represents a good breakthrough in his current care.”

Hamlin is recovering and continuing in a positive direction after his heart stopped while making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter of Monday night’s game against the Bengals. The second-year player spent his first two days in the hospital under sedation to allow his body to recover on a Ventilation to help his breathing.

The Bills were boosted by encouraging medical reports as they returned to practice Thursday in preparation for a home game. game against the New England Patriots On Sunday.

The scene of Hamlin’s collapse, broadcast to a North American television audience on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” led to an outpouring of support from fans and players across the league. There are fans, team owners and players, including Tom Brady and Russell Wilson Donations were made For the Hamlin Chasing M’s Foundation, which raised more than $7.8 million by Friday morning.