In what was perhaps the scariest moment in NFL history, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field during the Monday Night Football broadcast. Players on both teams stood mouths agape – many in tears – as Hamlin had CPR performed on him.
It was like nothing any National Football League game had ever seen. The thousands in attendance in Cincinnati, as well as millions watching around the globe, all held their collective breaths in disbelief about what was unfolding before them.
Hamlin remained on the field for half an hour before he was whisked away in the ambulance. He remained in critical condition at the hospital overnight.
Unprecedented events require unprecedented actions, as the NFL postponed the game. After all, how could anyone expect these players to carry on after what they had witnessed?
A vigil was started outside the hospital, with signs reading, “Pray for Hamlin” and his number 3.
Statement From Family
On Tuesday, Hamlin’s friend Jordon Rooney tweeted a statement that came directly from the injured player’s family:
“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.
We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the university of Cincinnati medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.
Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.
Please keep Damar in your prayers.
We will release updates as soon as we have them.”
Statement From Bills
According to a statement from the Bills at 1:48am this morning, “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.”
The NFL said today that the postponed game had not yet been rescheduled, and that there would be no changes to the Week 18 schedule. They also said that they were working with both teams to ensure players had whatever resources necessary, to cope with the traumatic event they had witnessed.
Commanders Support
Many in the NFL have chimed in on social networks to voice their support:
The Commanders tweeted:
Sending our prayers to Damar Hamlin and the @BuffaloBills ??
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 3, 2023
Jeremy Reaves tweeted:
Prayers prayers prayers man.
— Jeremy Reaves (@JR1ERA) January 3, 2023
Jamin Davis tweeted:
??????
— Jamin Davis (@Jamindavis25) January 3, 2023
What You Can Do
People from around the globe have shown their support for Hamlin by donating to a toy drive fundraiser on GoFundMe, organized by his Chasing M’s Foundation. His original goal was to get $2500, but an outpouring of love and support has taken the total to almost $5 million in donations.
Please give if you can.
As we all wait for word to come down that the young man is safe, and out of medical danger, please pray for Damar Hamlin and his family.
Author’s Note:
I created these graphics for Commanders fans to use on social networks to show their support:
Just click on the image to get the full-sized version. Feel free to use and share.