Damar Hamlin is back on Instagram for the first time since his cardiac arrest

Damar Hamlin posted to social media for the first time since suffering cardiac arrest on Monday, and in an emotional statement he thanked fans for the support he has received.

The 24-year-old fell ill Monday night and collapsed after making a tackle in the first quarter while playing for the Bills against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had to be resuscitated on the pitch.

Hamlin wrote on Instagram: “When you put true love into the world, it comes back to you three times as much.

“The love was overwhelming, but I am grateful for every single person who prayed and reached out for me. We brought the world back together (sic).

“If you know me, you know that this will only make me stronger. On a long way keep on praying for me.’

Damar Hamlin has taken to social media for the first time since suffering cardiac arrest

Hamlin, 24, says he’s “on a long road” but vows the ordeal will “make me stronger”.

He posted a similar message on Twitter, writing, “Bringing love into the world comes back three times as much… grateful to all who reached out and prayed.

‘This will strengthen me on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!’

It comes as the Buffalo Bills also released an update on Saturday with positive news about the 24-year-old’s health.

“According to doctors at UC Medical Center, Damar is making steady progress in his recovery but remains in critical condition,” the statement said.

“He continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent.”

The Bills were in for a big surprise on Friday when Hamlin FaceTimed them, said “I love you boys” and flexed his arm muscles after removing his breathing tube.

Bill’s head coach Sean McDermott spoke to the press after interacting with Hamlin and attempted to describe the scene to reporters, but admitted he “probably won’t be able to do it justice.”

“Amazing, touching to see Damar,” McDermott began. ‘No. 1, through my own eyes.

“I know this is something I’ve been looking forward to, kinda gotta see it I guess. And then watching the reaction in the room with the players and the staff and the team.’

Hamlin collapsed and had to be resuscitated on the field after suffering cardiac arrest after a tackle with Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins in the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game.

Hamlin (No. 3) got up briefly after attacking Tee Higgins before falling back in shocking scenes as the Buffalo Bills played Cincinnati Bengals

Hamlin collapsed moments later, falling backwards and lying motionless on the floor

The Bills player was taken to hospital and Higgins forwarded the congratulations to Hamlin on Twitter, writing: “My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIslandthe Hamlin Family. I pray that you make it through, brother. Love.’

On the game, the 6-foot, 200-pound Hamlin was injured, Higgins leading with his right shoulder that hit the defensive back in the chest. Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins’ shoulders and helmet to pull him down.

Hamlin stood up quickly, seemed to be adjusting his face mask with his right hand, then fell back about three seconds later and lay motionless.

Surrounded by players from both sides, the Bills’ safety received treatment for 16 minutes before being immobilized and taken off the field. As medical personnel gathered around Hamlin, his playing uniform was cut off.

Bills players were shocked and stunned when their teammate received emergency treatment

Players from both teams were visibly stunned by what had happened and many cried on the field.

Many players hugged, including quarterbacks Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. The game was postponed by the NFL and has since been canceled.

The Bills will face the New England Patriots again on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs players warmed up in Hamlin’s No. 3 jerseys ahead of Saturday’s game.