Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin suffers cardiac arrest as NFL game abandoned

03 January 2023 , 05:00

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Damar Hamlin was taken to hospital in a critical condition (Image: Greg M Cooper/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has suffered a cardiac arrest and is in a critical condition after collapsing during his team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hamlin fell to the ground after colliding with an opponent during the first quarter of Monday night's NFL game in Cincinnati. The 24-year-old received on-field medical attention for more than 30 minutes, including CPR, before being taken to hospital.

The NFL have confirmed the game has been postponed following the incident and updates on Hamlin's condition will follow in due course. His representative Jordon Rooney has confirmed tests are currently being run and updates will be provided "as we have them".

The Bills have tweeted: "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."

Hamlin was tackling Bengals' receiver Tee Higgins when a nasty collision occurred. Higgins' helmet appeared to hit Hamlin in the chest and, after initially getting back to his feet, the stricken Bills star fell on his back. Medical officials then administered CPR.

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Both sets of players were distressed by the incident (Getty Images)

Players from both teams gathered around Hamlin during his treatment. They were clearly distressed, with some praying and others in tears. A hush descended on the Cincinnati crowd and TV coverage broke away from the scene as it unfolded.

In an earlier statement, the NFL said: "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 a critical condition.

A vigil is on display outside of the Cincinnati hospital where Damar Hamlin was taken to (Getty Images)

"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."

As reported by ESPN, Hamlin's family were in attendance in Cincinnati and travelled with him in the ambulance to the nearby hospital.

Hamlin's agent Rooney added on Twitter : "His vitals are back to normal and they have put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat. They are currently running tests. We will provide updates as we have them."

Players from both sides were left in tears by the incident (ESPN TV Grab)

Hamlin, from Pennsylvania, is competing in his second NFL season after joining the Bills two years ago. He played five seasons of college football for Pittsburgh before becoming the 212th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft and signing a four-year rookie contract.

Monday night's game was officially suspended around an hour after Hamlin was dashed to hospital. NFL games are rarely suspended due to injury and commissioner Rodger Goodell has been praised for prioritising Hamlin's safety.

Players were visibly distressed and some prayed as Hamlin received emergency treatment (Joshua A Bickel/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

It's believed the Bills have travelled back to New York, which suggest Monday Night's game won't continue anytime soon. More information on Hamlin's condition is expected to follow in the coming hours.

Athletes have offered their support to Hamlin and his family in their hour of need. "Praying for you kid," tweeted basketball legend LeBron James - while Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson said he is "praying for health and safety" in a tweet.

An ambulance took Hamlin from the field to hospital (Getty Images)

Speaking after the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, James added: "I seen the play, but I don’t know what happened. My thoughts and super prayers go up to the skies above for that kid’s family, for him, for that brotherhood of the NFL, and everybody who’s a part of the NFL family.

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"It’s definitely the right call, by whoever made that call, Roger Goodell or whoever had the authority to make that call to suspend [the game]. The safety of players in all sports is always the most important. It was a terrible thing to see."

David Clark