Update: The Buffalo Bills shared an update early Tuesday morning, stating “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.”
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field and was given CPR for over 10 minutes after a hit, causing Monday Night Football to be suspended for the evening.
Hamlin was receiving oxygen as he was taken off the field and placed into an ambulance. He was injured following a tackle on Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter. Hamlin quickly got up after the tackle and adjusted his face mask before he suddenly collapsed on the field.
They have an ambulance on the field for Bills Safety Damar Hamlin and they just announced the medical personnel have been administering CPR… I really hope he ends up ok. What a bizarre situation. pic.twitter.com/hvczkaz0lC
— Steve Cox (@RealSteveCox) January 3, 2023
Terrifying scene: #Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been down on the field for more than 10 minutes after a hit.
The medical staff is administering CPR to the 24-year-old. Players from the Bills and Bengals are clearly distraught, and many are in tears.
— Prime Time Sports Talk (@TalkPrimeTime) January 3, 2023
Athletic trainers responded immediately by bringing out a stretcher, protecting his head and performing CPR. He also received oxygen, according to the ESPN broadcast.
He reportedly has a pulse but was not breathing on his own, according to Fox Sports Analyst Joe Danneman. Hamlin has been intubated and is currently in critical condition, according to Fox 19 anchor Tricia Macke.
Players on both teams were visibly shocked and many came to tears while Hamlin was getting treatment.
I’m told Damar Hamlin has a pulse, but is not breathing on his own. He is being transported to UC.
Needed AED and CPR on the field.
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) January 3, 2023
After Hamlin was taken off the field, Bills players knelt together on the sideline before attempting to play on. Instead of resuming the game, both head coaches met with referees and decided to pause the game until further notice.
The NFL confirmed Hamlin’s condition in a statement released shortly after the game was postponed.
“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,” the NFL said in its statement.
“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,” the NFL added.
Hamlin was a sixth round pick by the Bills in 2021 and has become a starter for the team in his second NFL season. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh, his hometown school, and was a second team all-ACC selection his senior year.
Hamlin has received an outpouring of support from players and fans on social media. His toy drive for a community daycare center raised $300,000 in the hour following his injury, after an initial goal of $2,500, according to Front Office Sports.
This is a developing story.