With only a week left in the National Football League regular season, all eyes descended on Monday nights contest, the Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals. The game began with all the lights and excitement as both teams took the field Monday. The Cincinnati Bengals were on offense as Bengals receiver Tee Higgins caught a pass and Bills safety Damar Hamlin swooped in to make the tackle. Damar wrapped Higgins up and the play seemed to be over. As the two players stood to their feet, Damar seemed to stagger, almost making a motion to find a teammate to lean on. It was at this point when Damar Hamlin collapsed, and laid motionless on the field.
The impact between the two players appeared to be routine. However, the training staff from the Bills rushed in, and in a turn of events, you could instantly tell the situation was dire. As members from both teams cautiously surrounded Damar, it was apparent that EMT’s were needed. From a distance, it was visible that players from both teams were visibly upset, and some teammates were in tears as it was reported by broadcasters that Damar was administered CPR. The situation had an eerie feel about it. The 24-year old safety was still on the field and for about 15 minutes, the atmosphere changed from a contest, to one of deep concern.
Damar Hamlin, a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft from the University of Pittsburgh was a starter and instrumental part of Buffalo’s safety core. After nearly 10-minutes, ESPN’s sideline reporter Lisa Salters reported Hamlin was put on a backboard and loaded into an ambulance. The reports were that Hamlin had suffered cardiac arrest; however, he did have a pulse.
Players from both sides were visibly shaken by the events. Some players were in tears, while others took a knee in prayer as the situation progressed. Both coaches met on the field with officials and after a lengthy discussion, it was stated that the game would be temporarily suspended. The crowd looked on in concern as they held onto the huge message board for updates on Hamlin’s situation. The feel in the air was for Hamlin, not on an all important football game.
With hearts and minds heavy, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL made a statement that the game would not be continued and fans should go to the Cincinnati Bengals website for more information. ESPN later reported that the game was suspended, and whether a make-up or later scheduled game was not available at the time.
The NFL, reported through a statement that Hamlin was in critical condition and that their hearts and prayers were with him and his family in the difficult time. The NFLPA also issued a statement, “The NFLPA and everyone in our community is praying for Damar Hamlin. We have been in touch with Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL. The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well being.” NFLPA via Twitter
After witnessing on the field incidents that are treated and cared for with malice, it was the works of both teams’ medical staff and the local paramedics that swooped in and gave Damar Hamlin the attention and care he needed. The entire situation is definitely a wake-up call that sports are entertaining, but at the same time, players are professionals who risk their lives every time they suit up.
The outpouring of support from fans, players, sports figures and world has poured in with prayers for a speedy recovery for Damar Hamlin.
