Buffalo Bills claim victory in first game back since Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest

The Buffalo Bills claimed victory in their first game since Damar Hamlin's terrifying on-field cardiac arrest.

With Hamlin watching from the hospital bed, the Bills had something to prove as they stepped onto the field in Orchard Park, New York.

The game was locked at 14-14 after the first two quarters in what was a neck-and-neck battle.

However, the Bills pulled in front in the third by scoring 14 points to the Patriots' 3 points.

The final score was 35-23 and there's no doubt Damar Hamlin was cheering the Bills on every second from hospital.

He said after the match: “We as a community, I feel like we needed this win."

Hamlin suffered a shocking cardiac arrest mid-game last week when the Bills played the Cincinnati Bengals.

First responders rushed onto the field to perform CPR before the 24-year-old safety player was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

He's made a stunning recovery, however his road to recovery will be long.

Hamlin woke up late last week and was able to communicate by writing and then slowly started to speak.

The NFL player took to social media to express his gratitude from all the fans and the wider NFL sport who have been wishing him well.

On Twitter, he wrote: "Putting love into the world comes back 3xs as much… thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed.

"This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!"

Hamlin also took to his Instagram account on Saturday (7 January) to issue a lengthier message.

He wrote: "When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much.. The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out.

"We brung the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger.

"On a long road keep praying for me!"

Doctors at the University of Cincinnati hospital said Hamlin has been able to breathe on his own after he spent several days being intubated.

Despite this positive update, doctors still list him as being in a critical condition.

They described Hamlin's neurological function as 'excellent', which came 24 hours after the first major step to recovery when the NFL player was taken off a ventilator and spoke briefly.