Damar Hamlin collapses vs Bengals: Family declares safety battling.
Damar Hamlin collapses vs Bengals: Family declares safety battling. Monday night’s game between the Bills and Bengals began with a frightening and emotional scenario. When Bills safety Damar Hamlin got up from a tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins with 5:58 left in the first quarter, he slumped. Hamlin rose after completing the kit, only to collapse unexpectedly. On the field, he received emergency care before being taken to the UC Medical Center in Cincinnati.
The Bills started early Tuesday that Hamlin, then 24 years old, had a cardiac arrest after the hit and had his heartbeat restored on the field. Hamlin is “sedated and labeled in critical condition,” according to the team.
A little after 10 p.m. ET, the NFL officially postponed “Monday Night Football” between Buffalo and Cincinnati. The league issued the following statement:
After Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that tonight’s game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals would be postponed.
The team, independent medical experts, and local paramedics rushed to Hamlin’s aid on the field. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is currently in critical condition.
Please know that Damar and the Buffalo Bills are in our prayers. As more data becomes available, we will share it with you.
The NFL has been in close contact with the NFLPA, and they have agreed to postpone the game.
Hamlin received CPR for several minutes before being transported to the hospital in an ambulance. An oxygen tank was waiting for him in the ambulance, which took him and some family members to the hospital.
Jordon Rooney, a family spokesman, gave an update on Hamlin on Tuesday morning: “When it comes to his health, I won’t be able to offer any specifics. To sum it up, he’s putting up a fight. He’s a fierce competitor. The mood around the house is upbeat. We’re taking it literally one moment, one hour. Most importantly, respect the family’s need for quiet time together. There is a lot of stress on his family at the moment.”
This is the news release that Hamlin’s family issued on Tuesday morning:
“Our family would like to thank everyone who supported Damar during this difficult time. The prayers, messages of support, and financial contributions from all over the country have touched us incredibly.
“We’d also like to thank the hardworking emergency personnel and medical staff at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for their outstanding care of Damar. As members of the Buffalo Bills and recipients of their support, we count ourselves incredibly fortunate. We appreciate the efforts of Coach Taylor and the Bengals, and we are grateful to them.
“Our gratitude for your kindness and support is immeasurable. Remember Damar in your prayers. As further information becomes available, we will share it with you.”
The Bills and Bengals coaches, Sean McDermott and Zac Taylor, had words on the field on Monday, which led to a brief delay in play. The NFL ultimately opted to postpone the game about an hour later. In a press conference held late Monday night, it decided without commenting on the possibility of rescheduling the game. Commissioner Roger Goodell will make the final call on that matter.
The Bills boarded a flight back to Buffalo early on Tuesday morning. Late on Monday night, many players from the Bills and Bengals rushed to the hospital to check on their teammates.
Ira Turner, Hamlin’s agent, issued the following statement to NFL Media on Monday night at about 11:30 p.m. ET: “Damar and his loved ones continue to need your prayers. There is no new information available at this time. I’d appreciate it if you could remember the family in your prayers.”
The current season marks Hamlin’s second with the Bills. After starting 14 games as a rookie for Buffalo, he’s a regular this year. Hamlin scored 276 tackles and six interceptions at the university level while playing for Pittsburgh.
Hamlin was a Day 3 draught pick, but his attitude and work ethic helped him make the Bills’ 53-man squad as a rookie. He attributes his promotion to the starting lineup this season to his work ethic.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane said of rookie Hamlin, “Damar’s done a tremendous job.” “He plays with a lot of gut instinct… Despite being drafted in the sixth round, he’s a terrific young man doing everything he can to put himself in the running.”
The sports community’s emotional and supportive reaction followed Hamlin’s accident. Every single NFL franchise has spoken out on various social media platforms. Numerous other athletes have also spoken out in support of Hamlin and his Buffalo colleagues.
