In what was perhaps the scariest moment in NFL history,\u00a0Buffalo 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.<\/p>\n
It was like nothing any National Football League game had ever seen. \u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n
Hamlin remained on the field for half an hour before he was whisked away in the ambulance.\u00a0He remained in critical condition at the hospital overnight.<\/p>\n
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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?<\/p>\n
A vigil was started outside the hospital, with signs reading, “Pray for Hamlin” and his number 3.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, Hamlin’s friend\u00a0Jordon Rooney tweeted a statement that came directly from the injured player’s family:<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.<\/p>\n
Please keep Damar in your prayers.<\/p>\n
We will release updates as soon as we have them.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Statement From Bills<\/h2>\n
According to a statement from the Bills at 1:48am<\/a> this morning,\u00a0“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.”<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0They 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.<\/p>\n
Commanders Support<\/h2>\n
Many in the NFL have chimed in on social networks to voice their support:<\/p>\n
The Commanders tweeted:<\/p>\n
\nSending our prayers to Damar Hamlin and the @BuffaloBills<\/a> ??<\/p>\n
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 3, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n