Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field in the first quarter of the game.
Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and collapsed during the first quarter against the Bengals in Cincinnati. The game has been postponed, team officials said.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Buffalo Bills officials said, “Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals.” His heartbeat was restored on the field and transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”
Earlier, the NFL also released a statement saying, “Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by the 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 league added, “The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association, which is in agreement with postponing the game.”
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2023
Duane Burleson/AP, File
The paramedic team was seen administering CPR to Hamlin, and he was taken off the field by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
In a statement released by Damar Hamlin’s family, they thanked the “dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals” at the hospital for their “exceptional care.”
Hamlin’s family said to release updates on Hamlin’s health as soon as they get them.
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Jeff Dean/AP
While showing support for Hamlin, the team tweeted, “The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar.”
Many NFL teams tweeted in support of Hamlin and his family.
“Praying hard.. please be an okay man”, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tweeted.
J.J. Watt, Arizona Cardinals defensive end, tweeted, “The game is not important. Damar Hamlin’s life is important. Please be ok. Please.”
The mayor of Cincinnati, Aftab Pureval, wrote, “The entire City of Cincinnati is sending all of our prayers to Damar Hamlin right now.”Our hearts are with you, your family, and your friends.”
With an initial target of $2,500, donations to a toy campaign he started on GoFundMe in 2020 exceeded $1.5 million as of late Monday night. Officials from GoFundMe confirmed to Usadailynewsposts that Hamlin created the page in the beginning.
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His family said in a statement saying, “On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time”, and said, “We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.”
A statement from the family of Damar Hamlin. pic.twitter.com/I0QFQehUc0
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2023