The sudden collapse of Damar Hamlin during the first quarter of Monday night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals has left the NFL world stunned.
Players from both teams gathered around Hamlin as CPR was administered to the second-year pro before an ambulance took him to the hospital.
Damar Hamlin, number 3 of the Buffalo Bills, after a game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium on September 19, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York.
(Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)
The Bills announced that Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.
DAMAR HAMLIN’S FAMILY RELEASES STATEMENT OF THANK YOU TO HIS SUPPORTERS Amid ‘TIMES OF CHALLENGE’
«Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after being struck in our game against the Bengals,» the Bills said in a statement. «His heart rate was restored in the field and he was transported to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and in critical condition.»
The game was initially temporarily put on hold before it was officially postponed.
On Tuesday, the NFL referees Association (NFLRA) issued a statement supporting the decision to postpone the game.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, #17, reacts as medical personnel attend to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
(Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«On behalf of the NFL officials who worked on the Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals game last night, we offer our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery for Damar Hamlin,» the NFLRA said. said in a statement. «In addition, we congratulate the emergency personnel and medics who responded quickly in the field to Damar’s serious health problem.
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«Like the players and coaches, our officials fully supported the suspension of this game as all attention should be focused on Damar’s health.»
Hamlin’s family issued a message Tuesday morning thanking his supporters for their prayers.
Buffalo Bills players and staff kneel together in solidarity after Damar Hamlin suffered an injury during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati.
(Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
«On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this difficult time. We are deeply touched by the prayers, kind words and donations from fans across the country,» the statement read. release. .
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«We also want to thank the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care for Damar. We feel so blessed to be a part of the Organization of the Buffalo Bills and have your support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for all they’ve done.»
Hamlin was selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, recording 91 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 16 games this season.