Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin fell to the ground in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals, causing the game to be suspended.
Following a punch to Bengals receiver Tee Higgins that appeared to impact his chest, the 24-year-old Hamlin scrambled to his feet, only to collapse moments later.
The Bills confirmed Hamlin went into cardiac arrest in a postgame statement, but it was clear from the on-field medical attention, which lasted nearly half an hour and required CPR and oxygen, that a serious incident had occurred.
Everyone inside Paul Brown Stadium was visibly distraught, and Bills players and staff were seen hugging, coming together to form a human wall around Hamlin as the medical team tended to him in a moving show of solidarity.
After leaving the field in an ambulance and being rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, the franchise posted this update on Twitter in the early hours confirming that the medical team recovered Hamlin’s heartbeat, but he remains in condition. critical.
Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after being hit in our game against the Bengals. 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.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
An avalanche of supporters within the football world and beyond has swept across social media, with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Arizona Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt both tweeting ‘for please be well’.
Praying hard… please stay well man. ????????????????????????
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 3, 2023
Please be okay, man. Please be fine.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 3, 2023
Despite some nasty concussion injuries this season, it’s rare to see an NFL game suspended entirely, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Both the Bills and Bengals are once again fighting for Super Bowl contenders this season, and the buildup for the game was palpable heading into Monday night prime time with the league entering the final two weeks of the season. regular.
A standout since his appearance at the University of Pittsburgh, Hamlin was drafted by the Bills in the 2021 NFL draft. This season in particular, he has cemented his starting job after spending most of last year as a reserve.
