NFL player Damar Hamlin is in critical condition in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field during the Monday Night Football game on ESPN between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.
The incident happened toward the end of the first quarter after Hamlin made a tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin rose to his feet after the collision but then collapsed to the ground. Medical staff attended to Hamlin on the field for over 30 minutes while his distraught teammates watched on close by. He was transported to a local hospital, and the NFL suspended the game.
A statement released by the official Buffalo Bills Twitter account provided an update late Monday night: “Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”
Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also released a statement on the incident, writing, “Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.”
“Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available,” Goodell added.
NFL says Bills safety Damar Hamlin is in critical condition at a local hospital after collapsing on the field pic.twitter.com/3z1tFxEGsA
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 3, 2023
A native of McKees Rock, Pennsylvania, Hamlin was drafted from the University of Pittsburgh by the Bills in 2021 and has become a favorite due to his tenacity on the field and his kindness off the field. Every year he hosts Christmas toy drives in his hometown; a GoFundMe page for his latest toy drive has raised over $3 million since it was re-shared online last night.
The incident led to an outpouring of support and well wishes for Hamlin across social media. “God bless Damar Hamlin of the @BuffaloBills @nfl. I pray for his family, teammates, friends, loved ones and fans,” tweeted former NFL star Deion Sanders.
God bless Damar Hamlin of the @BuffaloBills @nfl. I pray for his family, teammates, friends, loved ones and fans. #CoachPrime
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) January 3, 2023
“The game is not important. Damar Hamlin’s life is important. Please be ok. Please,” wrote Arizona Cardinals player J.J. Watt.
The game is not important.
Damar Hamlin’s life is important.
Please be ok. Please.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 3, 2023
Check out more messages of support below.
The support, prayers, and love continue to shine️
Starting with Paycor Stadium the ENTIRE city of Cincinnati is lit up blue and red, a tribute to @HamlinIsland and the @BuffaloBills. @wlwt pic.twitter.com/pSUDdoWs5n
— Danielle Dindak (@danielledindak) January 3, 2023
We send our thoughts and prayers to Damar Hamlin, his family, and the @BuffaloBills https://t.co/AC9O9U0h4J
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 3, 2023
This is one of the most powerful 2 minutes you’ll see.
Continued prayers going up for Damar Hamlin. pic.twitter.com/PmyZqQkdcz
— Michael Schlact (@michael_schlact) January 3, 2023
Please don’t share the video of the Damar Hamlin play. Share this because we are all Praying for him and his family. pic.twitter.com/QnO7DpAo7u
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 3, 2023
This is the man you’re praying for tonight.
Continued prayers going up for Damar Hamlin. pic.twitter.com/02PXNa0PIn
— Michael Schlact (@michael_schlact) January 3, 2023
Praying for Damar Hamlin and the entire Buffalo Bills organization https://t.co/BPwZFj7Tqx
— New York Giants (@Giants) January 3, 2023