After tackling a Cincinnati Bengals receiver, Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills suffered a cardiac arrest. Hamlin could be seen dropping on the ground and remaining there lifelessly as medical team starts rushing in.
He was rushed to the hospital and is now in serious condition.
Hamlin was given CPR on the field while being encircled by teammates, some of whom were in tears.
In the crucial Monday night game, the Buffalo Bills safety tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgens. He momentarily stood up before collapsing to the ground and remaining immobile.
The young athlete is still in serious condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. According to ESPN, Hamlin’s family was there at the game when he passed out. His mother Nina rode in the ambulance with him to the hospital.
Bills safety Damar Hamlin was taken off of the field in an ambulance after collapsing mid game.
They know what they’ve wrought. This isn’t from a injury. He clearly gets up after the hit. 🤨 pic.twitter.com/RShG5WGGXZ
— Luther ‘Ćyrus’ (@Censored4sure) January 3, 2023
Hamlin’s friend and marketing representative Jordon Rooney posted on Twitter: “His vitals are back to normal and they have put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat. They are currently running tests. We will provide updates as we have them.”
The Buffalo Bills tweeted: “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.”
Higgins tweeted: “My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIslandthe Hamlin Family. I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love.”
Ira Turner, who is Hamlin’s agent, told NFL Network: “Please continue to pray for Damar and his family. We currently have no update at this time. Will ask that you keep the family in your prayers.”
God bless you, Damar Hamlin. Can’t believe this is happening. Praying for you. Please pull through, young man
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 3, 2023
NFL executive Troy Vincent, who was a six-time Pro Bowl cornerback during his career, said on the conference call early on Tuesday morning: “I’ve never seen anything like it since I was playing. Immediately, my player hat went on, like, how do you resume playing after seeing a traumatic event in front of you?”
UFC’s Michael Chiesa reacted to the news on twitter confirming that this is the biggest fear for many professional athletes.
My biggest fear as a fighter is exactly what we just saw in this football game.
My prayers go out to Damar Hamlin and his family.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) January 3, 2023