Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin Suffers Cardiac Arrest
Photo: ESPN
CINCINNATI — It was projected to be the game of the year, where the Bengals (11-4) faced off the Bills (12-3) at home. The Monday night football game quickly turned grim following a scary scene. It was only 5:58 remaining in the first quarter, when Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed seconds after colliding with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field, where medical staff performed CPR trying to restore the 24-year-old’s heartbeat. The traumatic scene lasted around 9 minutes before Hamlin was transported to the UC Medical Center in Cincinnati. All players knelt on one knee as they tearfully prayed for Hamlin in disbelief. The players were visibly emotional as tears fell from Bills’ wide receiver Stefon Diggs eyes as he watched his teammate and friend being rushed off the field. The Monday night game was officially postponed by the NFL shortly after 10 p.m. The NFL released the follow statement:
Tonight's Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced.
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.
The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game.
It was reported that Hamlin, suffered a cardiac arrest following the hit to the chest with his heartbeat being restored on the field. The Bills confirmed this information as they announced in a statement first thing that Tuesday morning. The terrifying event sent shock waves through, not only the sports world, but the world as a whole. Many fans flooded social media with #PrayForHamlin tweets, and posts showcasing their support following the traumatic event. In fact, the world was waiting on the update regarding Hamlin’s status. It was revealed on Tuesday that Hamlin is currently sedated and listed in critical condition. Since that update, on Wednesday the Bills stated that Hamlin "is expected to remain under intensive care as his health care team continues to monitor and treat him."
On a brighter note, Jordon Rooney, a friend and business partner of Hamlin's, revealed to an ESPN insider that doctors saw promising readings overnight from Hamlin that they had hoped to see by Wednesday morning. Hamlin's agent, Ron Butler, stated Tuesday night that Hamlin's oxygen levels had improved. As this is a developing story we will keep you updated on Hamlin’s status.
