Damar Hamlin collapses on the field hospitalized in critical condition during the Bengals-Bills game
Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, fell on the field, required CPR, and was then transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he is currently listed in serious condition, according to the NFL, which called off the Monday night game between Buffalo and the Cincinnati Bengals. CPR was given to Hamlin on the field for many minutes after he fell during a play in the first quarter, bringing the match between two of the NFL’s top teams to a terrifying halt. According to the broadcast, he was given oxygen as soon as he was carried off the field, put in the ambulance, and drove 16 minutes after collapsing to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
“Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by the team and independent medical staff and local paramedics,” the league said in a statement. “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. The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game.
It’s bigger than football… please pray for Damar Hamlin
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 3, 2023
Nothing else matters right now 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/eZ4U8Shbnd
Hamlin tackled wide receiver Tee Higgins before swiftly standing up, which is when the injury occurred. Athletic trainers arrived to assist promptly when Hamlin fainted suddenly. Then, as athletic trainers shielded his head, a stretcher was brought to the playing area. Hamlin was mobbed by the entire Bills sideline while receiving treatment. He was being treated by athletic trainers while many Bills players consoled each other and showed obvious signs of sorrow. Many players turned away from the distressed Hamlin.
Hamlin was first brought back down onto the field during attempts to transport him, but he was ultimately loaded into an ambulance that left the stadium at 9:25 p.m. ET and traveled to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The members of Hamlin’s family descended from the stands to ride in the ambulance with him.
The Bills players gathered in a circle after Hamlin left the field, went back to the sidelines, and then the defense re-entered the field to continue the game. Stefon Diggs, a wide receiver for Buffalo, called everyone over for a conversation. Instead of restarting the game, Bengals coach Zac Taylor met with the on-site officials, including Sean McDermott of the Bills. About 21 minutes after the injury, it was decided to temporarily halt the game, which the Bengals were winning 7-3.
At around ten o’clock ET, or about 90 minutes after kickoff, the NFL then made a complete postponement announcement. The league remained mum over whether or when the game would be resumed or recapped. Later on, Monday night, as several fans gathered outside the hospital, Diggs, Hamlin’s teammate, went there as well. Josh Allen, the standout quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, was one of many athletes who responded on social media by pleading for prayers.
You Can See The Look On The Bills & Bengals Players Faces How Worried They Are For Damar Hamlin’s Life 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/QYwodhpHrL
— NFL Daily (@SportsContent23) January 3, 2023
The Bills selected Hamlin, a Pittsburgh native, with the 212th overall choice in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. This season, he has been the starting safety for the Bills in place of the injured Micah Hyde, who suffered a neck injury in Week 2 and has been out since. Hamlin, who has made 13 starts this season, entered Monday tied for second on the team with 91 tackles, one forced fumble, and 1.5 sacks.
Leslie Frazier, the defensive coordinator for the Bills, recently observed that Hamlin has grown throughout the course of the season, especially in terms of speaking out more as a vocal leader and becoming a better tackler despite having a lot of work put on him immediately after having to fill in for Hyde.