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The NFL community came together collectively to show its strength in times of uncertainty when Damar Hamlin needed it the most. The Bills safety collapsed during Monday Night Football this week with what appeared to be an apparent cardiac arrest. As of today, he has been reported to be alert and actively FaceTiming friends, family, and the team while still in critical care
As positive updates keep coming in with regards to the safety's recovery, former NFL star Rob Gronkowski did his bit to further lighten the mood. After being transported to the hospital, thousands across the NFL community took to raising millions towards his annual toy fundraiser. And of course, Gronk wasn't one to miss out.
In typical Gronk fashion, the former Patriots star donated $6,900 to Hamlin's toy drive. This, of course, was a nod to the running '69' joke the former tight end has been playing for years.
Apart from Gronkowski, other NFL stars of the present and past, such as Tom Brady, Andy Dalton, and Drew Brees, have all contributed to Hamlin's noble cause. As of now, the toy drive, which had a nominal target, has now surpassed over $8 million.
Damar Hamlin now breathing on his own and talking to teammates despite being in critical care
In what has come as welcome news, Bills safety Damar Hamlin is breathing on his own and speaking to family and teammates. Hamlin's teammate Dion Dawkins said:
"To hear him talk to us, it was everything, and that’s what we needed. Literally that’s all we needed."
Hamlin was sedated and placed on a ventilator when he arrived at the hospital after his collapse but has now had his breathing tube removed.
The NFL, as part of its bit, has announced that personnel from all 32 teams will wear "Love for Damar" T-shirts during pregame warmups for this season's final regular season game week.
