Last night, football was put on pause.
In the first quarter of the matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, the game took an unfortunate turn. Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, collapsed after making a tackle and was later reported that it was due to cardiac arrest.
“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.”
The statement was issued earlier today by the team and was followed by another statement released by the NFL.
“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.”
It was also shared today that the game will not be resumed this week, after being postponed last night. And there have been no further decisions on continuation at a later date.
Many media sources were asked to stop sharing the video of Hamlin’s collapse, out of respect. And if you did watch it, it was hard to witness. Hamlin was down for at least 15 minutes while paramedics were seen administering CPR. Players from both teams were seen forming a circle around midfield. Shielding what was going on for privacy and respect, and also embracing each other as many were seen crying in disbelief.
Hamlin was eventually taken off of the field and put into an ambulance. Both teams proceeded to their respective locker rooms.
“Please keep Damar in your prayers,” Hamlin’s family wrote.
In the latest set of updates, the Bills have confirmed that Hamlin remains in critical condition after spending the night in intensive care at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Damar Hamlin spent last night in the intensive care unit and remains there today in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.
Hamlin’s family also expressed their “sincere gratitude” for the outpouring of love and support they have received since 8:55 PM ET last night. They also thanked the more than 150,000 fans who donated nearly $4M to Hamlin’s charity toy drive fund.
“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.”
