Atlanta Falcons Owner Awards $25K Grant In Honor Of Damar Hamlin

ATLANTA, GA — Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank is awarding a $25,000 grant to the American Heart Association-Georgia in honor of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, his foundation announced Thursday.

Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during the Bills game Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals and remains in critical condition. The team announced Friday that Hamlin is now breathing on his own.

"Per the physicians at (University of Cincinnati Medical Center), Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery. His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team," the team said in a tweet.

In a news release, Blank expressed his support for Hamlin.

“My family and I, and the entire Atlanta Falcons organization, send our sincere love and support to Damar Hamlin, his loved ones and the entire Buffalo Bills family," he said. "We’d like to honor Damar through a donation to the American Heart Association in support of their community training that teaches members how to respond to cardiac arrest with CPR and defibrillators. It is my deepest hope and prayer that Damar rises from this tragic incident, and we can in turn save countless lives moving forward by learning more about life-saving cardiac measures.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday the Bengals-Bills game will not continue, according to CNN.

The Bills are scheduled at 1 p.m. Sunday to play the New England Patriots at home.