Bills’ Damar Hamlin Goes Into Cardiac Arrest On Field Against Bengals: Family Statement; security ‘fight’
A terrifying and emotional scene unfolded early during Monday night’s game between the Invoices Y bengalis. With 5:58 remaining in the first quarter, Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed after getting to his feet following a tackle by Bengals wide receivers Tee Higgins. After making the tackle, Hamlin got to his feet only to suddenly fall to the ground. He received immediate medical attention in the field and was transported to the UC Medical Center in Cincinnati.
Hamlin, 24, went into cardiac arrest after the hit and his heartbeat was restored on the field, the Bills announced in a statement Tuesday morning. The team further disclosed that Hamlin is “sedated and in critical condition.”
“Monday Night Football” between Buffalo and Cincinnati was officially postponed by the NFL shortly after 10 pm ET. The league issued the following statement:
Tonight’s game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals has been postponed after the Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced.
Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field from the team, independent medical personnel and local paramedics. He was later transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical condition.
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 okay with postponing the game.
Hamlin received CPR on the field for several minutes as he was placed on a gurney and eventually into an ambulance. He was given oxygen as he entered the ambulance, which took him and some family members to the hospital.
On Tuesday morning, family spokesman Jordon Rooney provided an update on Hamlin: “I can’t speak specifically about his medical condition. All I’ll say is he’s fighting. He’s a fighter… The family stands by good mood. We”. Honestly, I just take it minute by minute, hour by hour… The most important thing is to give the family privacy… his family is going through a lot right now.”
Hamlin’s family issued the following press release Late Tuesday morning:
“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this difficult time. We are deeply touched by the prayers, kind words and donations from fans across the country.
“We also want to thank the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care for Damar. We feel so blessed to be a part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have your support.” We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for all they have done.
“Your generosity and compassion mean a lot to us. Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will post updates as soon as we have them.”
Monday’s game was temporarily suspended after Bills coaches Sean McDermott and Bengals coaches Zac Taylor spoke on the field. About an hour later, the NFL decided to postpone the game. He decided not to address a possible rescheduling of the game in a media call Monday night. That decision will ultimately be in the hands of Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The Bills decided to fly back to Buffalo early Tuesday morning. Numerous members of the Bills and Bengals visited the hospital Monday night.
Around 11:30 p.m. ET on Monday, Hamlin’s agent, Ira Turner, provided a statement to NFL Media: “Please continue to pray for Damar and his family. We currently do not have any updates at this time. We will ask that you keep the family in your prayers.”
Hamlin is in the middle of his second season with the Bills. He earned a spot in Buffalo’s starting lineup this season after appearing in 14 games as a rookie. Hamlin played at the college level in Pittsburgh, where he had 276 tackles and six interceptions.
hamlin’s character and work ethic landed him on the Bills’ 53-man roster as a rookie despite being a Day 3 draft pick. That same work ethic helped him become a starter this season.
“Damar has done a great job,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said of Hamlin during his rookie training camp. “He’s a very instinctive player…he’s a great guy, he wants it, he’s working hard and giving himself every opportunity to put himself in the mix despite being a sixth-round pick.”
Bengals owner Mike Brown released a statement, offering support and commenting on how everyone in the stadium handled the “unprecedented” and terrifying scene.
Hamlin’s injury has sparked great emotion and support throughout the sports world. Every NFL team has offered thoughts of him via social media. Dozens of players have also expressed their support for Hamlin and his Buffalo teammates.
CBS Sports will provide more information on Hamlin as soon as it is available.