UPDATED 1:51 P.M.
(Reuters) -The Buffalo Bills said safety Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Monday night game, while the player’s family thanked supporters during this “challenging time.”
The Super Bowl-contending Bills, in a statement posted on their Twitter account, said Hamlin spent the night in the intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remains.
“We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received so far,” the Bills said.
Athletes from the world of sports rallied to express support for Hamlin. Famed Niagara Falls – both the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls – will be illuminated in blue later on Tuesday as a show of support for Hamlin, the Bills and city of Buffalo.
Hamlin’s family said they would release updates on his condition as soon as they have any.
“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time,” Hamlin’s family wrote in a statement.
“We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.”
During the first quarter of Monday’s game against the host Cincinnati Bengals, the 24-year-old Hamlin got to his feet after making a tackle and then collapsed.
After having his heartbeat restored on the field as stunned players from both teams cried, prayed and hugged, Hamlin was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he was listed in critical condition. His mother was at the game and accompanied Hamlin to the hospital.
The family also acknowledged the first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who provided care to Hamlin, as well as the Bengals and Bills organizations.
“Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us,” Hamlin’s family wrote. “Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them.”
NO DECISION ON GAME RESUMPTION
The game between the Bills and Bengals, which Cincinnati led 7-3 late in the first quarter before it was postponed, has significant playoff implications for both teams.
The NFL, whose regular season concludes on Sunday, said on Tuesday the game would not resume this week and that no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date has been made.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a memo on Tuesday sent to all 32 teams said mental health and support resources are available to players and staff and that additional on-site services can be made available.
Bengals owner Mike Brown said in a statement that his team sends thoughts and prayers to Hamlin and his family and asked that everyone support one another during “this unprecedented time.”
“Last night was supposed to be a great night for the NFL and a great showcase for our hometown. Instead, the human side of our sport became paramount … and in that moment, humanity and love rose to the forefront,” Brown said.
“As medical personnel undertook extraordinary measures, both teams demonstrated respect and compassion while fans in the stadium and people around the country bolstered the support for Damar and love for each other.
“The Bengals are thankful for the love and compassion shown by all. Praying for Damar.”
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Additional reporting by Amy Tennery in New York, editing by Pritha Sarkar and Bill Berkrot)
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UPDATED 1:00 P.M.
(Reuters) – The National Football League (NFL) said on Tuesday that a game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals would not resume this week after Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field Monday night.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Chris Reese)
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UPDATED 3:15 A.M.
(Reuters) – Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest during Monday’s National Football League (NFL) game against Cincinnati.
The 24-year-old briefly got to his feet after making a tackle on the Bengals’ Tee Higgins in the first quarter but then fell on his back.
The game in Cincinnati was halted as medical staff quickly attended to him while players from both teams took a knee. Hamlin was given CPR before leaving the field in an ambulance.
The NFL later announced the game had been postponed.
“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals,” the Bills said in a statement.
“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.”
As Hamlin was taken to the hospital at 9:25 p.m. local time, players from both teams went to their locker rooms, some with tears in their eyes.
“Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available.”
Hamlin‘s family came down from the stands to be with him as he was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Local media said fans from both teams were standing outside the hospital waiting for news, some holding candles.
It was unclear when the game between two AFC contenders with the No. 1 seed hanging in the balance would be concluded.
The NFL said in a conference call that the Bills would be returning to Buffalo and a decision on the game would come later.
The Bills are scheduled to close out the regular season on Sunday when they host the New England Patriots while the Bengals take on the Baltimore Ravens.
“That’s not our consideration right now, our concern is for the player and his wellbeing,” Jeff Miller, NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy, told reporters.
“I am sure at the appropriate time we will have a conversation around the next steps regarding the game.”
‘PLEASE BE OK’
The NFL Players Association also said Hamlin‘s health was the number one priority.
“We have been in touch with the Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL,” it said. “The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar‘s health and wellbeing.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul was among those to express concern for Hamlin.
“Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and the entire
@BuffaloBills community,” she wrote on Twitter.
“Please be ok man,” tweeted Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt.
Jessica Pegula, the daughter of Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, said she and her American team mates at the United Cup mixed team tennis tournament in Sydney were horrified.
“It’s just terrible. There’s really no words. I’m glad they stopped the game,” Pegula said. “It brings you back to there’s a lot of bigger things that are more important than sports and games. It was pretty scary.”
The Bengals led 7-3 when the injury occurred, Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium falling silent after Hamlin collapsed and it quickly became clear the situation was serious.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sought out his Bills counterpart Josh Allen and hugged him, while fans, many openly crying, remained in their seats until it was announced nearly an hour later that the game was suspended.
“Please pray for our brother,” Allen tweeted.
Players and coaches did not hold news conferences.
As spectators filed out of the stadium, one Bengals fan stood solemnly holding a sign saying: “Pray for Buffalo #3 Hamlin.”
A McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania native who played college football at the University of Pittsburgh, Hamlin was taken by the Bills in the sixth round, 212th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles and Steve Keating in Toronto, Additional reporting by Rohith Nair and Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford and Ed Osmond)
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UPDATED 11:15 P.M.
(Reuters) -Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was in critical condition after being given CPR and taken from the field in an ambulance during Monday’s National Football League game against Cincinnati.
The 24-year-old briefly got to his feet after making a tackle on the Bengals’ Tee Higgins with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter but then fell on his back.
The game was halted as medical staff quickly attended to him while players from both teams took a knee. The NFL later announced the game had been postponed.
As Hamlin was taken to the hospital at 9:25 p.m. local time, players from both teams went to their locker rooms, some with tears in their eyes.
“Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“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.”
Hamlins’ family came down from the stands to be with him as he was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Local media said fans from both teams were standing outside the hospital waiting for news, some holding candles.
It was unclear when the game between two AFC contenders with the No. 1 seed hanging in the balance would be concluded.
The NFL Players Association said Hamlin’s health was the number one priority.
“We have been in touch with the Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL,” it said. “The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and wellbeing.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed her concern for Hamlin.
“Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and the entire @BuffaloBills community,” she wrote on Twitter.
The Bengals led 7-3 when the injury occurred, Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium falling silent after Hamlin collapsed and it quickly became clear that the situation was serious.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sought out his Bills counterpart Josh Allen and hugged him, while fans, many openly crying, remained in their seats until it was announced nearly an hour later that the game was suspended.
Players and coaches did not hold media conferences.
As spectators filed out of the stadium one Bengals fan stood solemnly holding a quickly made sign saying: “Pray for Buffalo #3 Hamlin.”
A Pennsylvania native who played college football at Pittsburgh, Hamlin was drafted by the Bills in the sixth round, 212th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles and Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Jacqueline Wong/Peter Rutherford)
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(Reuters) -Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was in critical condition after being given CPR and taken from the field in an ambulance during Monday’s National Football League game against Cincinnati.
The 24-year-old briefly got to his feet after making a tackle on the Bengals’ Tee Higgins with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter but then fell on his back.
The game was halted as medical staff quickly attended to him while players from both teams took a knee.
As Hamlin was taken to the hospital at 9:25 p.m. local time, players from both teams went to their dressing rooms, some with tears in their eyes.
“Tonight’s Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin collapsed,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“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.”
Hamlins’ family came down from the stands to be with him as he was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
“Praying for Damar Hamlin,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on Twitter.
“Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and the entire @BuffaloBills community.”
It was unclear when the game between two AFC contenders with the No. 1 seed hanging in the balance would be concluded.
The Bengals led 7-3 when the injury occurred.
Hamlin was drafted by the Bills in the sixth round, 212th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles and Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Jacqueline Wong/Peter Rutherford)
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2023
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