Damar Hamlin made a big comeback. Here's how it's going a week later

If you keep up with the Cincinnati Bengals and didn't know who Damar Hamlin was before Jan. 2, chances are you do now.

The Buffalo Bills safety quickly became the centerpiece of Monday night football last week after he suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed off the field at Paycor Stadium. He was placed in the ICU at University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and the nation held its breath.

A collective sigh of relief came when Hamlin regained consciousness Wednesday at the hospital. UC physicians say he's making substantial progress there, now sitting up and hanging out with after a couple days of unconsciousness.

Hamlin's story is still the talk of the Queen City, with widespread support still swirling on local social media nearly a week later. Here's a look back at Hamlin's medical recovery so far and how the city and nation have responded lately.

72 hours of blue:72 hours of blue: How Damar Hamlin changed everything for Bengals fans

How is Damar Hamlin doing?

During the first quarter of the Monday night game, Hamlin tackled Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. It was routine football. After Hamlin stood up from the tackle, he immediately fell back down on the field.

It was later announced Hamlin had suffered a cardiac arrest. He regained consciousness Wednesday night after being in the ICU for two days. Now, he's off a breathing tube, sitting up in bed and spending time with visitors.

'You won the game of life': 'You won the game of life': UC physicians say Damar Hamlin showing substantial progress

And he's tweeting about it. The first thing he posted: "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."

NFL teams showing support for Hamlin during Sunday football

Now that it's the first Sunday football since the Bills met the Bengals, teams from across the country are showing their support. Many teams held prayer services before their Sunday matchups, including the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, and more.

Players are throwing up three fingers and forming hearts with their hands in support of Hamlin, who sports a No. 3 jersey for the Bills.

Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas, a former high school teammate, sent a shoutout to Hamlin after securing an interception Sunday. He brought the ball to the 30-yard line, where the "3" was highlighted in his honor.

Bengals players took to the field in Baltimore with Hamlin in mind.

The first thing they did was commend the UC Medical Center team on the field for their work during the Bills game last week. A prayer was also held on the field before the game began.

People are supporting charitable causes for Hamlin

Since his initial injury, more than $8 million has been raised for Hamlin's charity, Chasing M's Foundation. It is a community toy drive in Hamlin's hometown of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.

Another charity resource Hamlin is promoting is a T-shirt fundraiser from DidWeWin.shop, a reference to the first thing he asked medical personnel attending to him at UC Medical Center. Proceeds will go to the first responders and the UC Trauma Center.

Cincinnatians showing out for Hamlin, Bills community

Downtown Cincinnati was lit up blue and red this week showing support for Hamlin and the Bills.

Additionally, a prayer wall remains put up outside UC's hospital at the intersection of Piedmont and Bellevue for Hamlin, where he is still being treated.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Support for Buffalo Bills safety growing after Cincinnati injury