NFL star Damar Hamlin has been discharged from hospital after mid-game cardiac arrest

Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin was taken to hospital after suffering a mid-game cardiac arrest. Credit: AP

Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin has been discharged from hospital just a few days after suffering a cardiac arrest mid-game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The NFL player's heart stopped nine minutes into the match at Paycor Stadium on January 2 after he collided with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Medical teams and an ambulance came onto the field and engaged in CPR, and many of his teammates were in tears. Players and coaches from both teams circled around on the field, and knelt in prayer.

Hamlin had been undergoing evaluation at Buffalo General Medical Centre/Gates Vascular Institute in the state of New York - where he was considered in a critical condition.

At one stage during his hospital stay it the American Football player needed the assistance of a breathing tube.

However, the 24-year-old has gone on to be released from hospital and will continue his recovery at home.

Buffalo Bills confirmed Hamlin had gone through “a comprehensive medical evaluation as well as a series of cardiac, neurological and vascular testing on Tuesday” ahead of his release back into the club’s care.

Dr Jamie Nadler, the critical care physician and chief quality officer at Kaleida Health who had been leading Hamlin’s treatment, said in a statement via the Bills: “We have completed a series of tests and evaluations, and in consultation with the team physicians, we are confident that Damar can be safely discharged to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills.”

After being released from hospital in Cincinnati, Hamlin had thanked everyone for their support.

“Headed home to Buffalo today with a lot of love on my heart. Watching the world come together around me on Sunday was truly an amazing feeling,” he tweeted.

“The same love you all have shown me is the same love that I plan to put back into the world n more. Bigger than football!”

Hamlin added: “Grateful for the awesome care I received at UCMC. Happy to be back in Buffalo. The docs and nurses at Buffalo General have already made me feel at home!”