The first Monday Night Football of the new year was billed as one of the most crucial games in this quickly-aging NFL season, but instead, the world witnessed one of the most profounf and horrifying moments in the history of the sport.
Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, collapsed on the field after an abrupt tackle of Tee Higgins – an offensive player for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The incident would force the NFL to postpone the game entirely.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was in critical condition after he collapsed on the field and needed CPR and an AED to be used on him before being rushed to the hospital.
The NFL announced it postponed the game between the Bills and Bengals.
“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 league said in a statement.
Other related statements soon followed.
“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 Players Association also released a statement on the matter.
“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 NFLPA said in a tweet. “The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well being.”
Scenes from the incident were heartbreaking.
Bengals fans are currently outside UC Medical Center in support of Damar Hamlin.
Sports bring people together like very few things can in this world.#prayersforDamarHamlin pic.twitter.com/eMV7gcoc3m
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) January 3, 2023
This clip 💯 percent defines what sports are really about…FAMILY!!!
Nothing else brings together different ages, races, backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, beliefs, or anything else like SPORTS and a TEAM!
Thoughts & prayers for Damar Hamlin! pic.twitter.com/oeAZ7L6UTs
— Anthony Morris (@tonyy_morris) January 3, 2023
The Buffalo Bills Players Deeply Care About Damar Hamlin 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ixWx4SA4Sm
— NFL Daily (@SportsContent23) January 3, 2023
Supporters outside the hospital praying for Bills’ Damar Hamlin.
(🎥 @caraphoto23 / @Enquirer)
pic.twitter.com/SpqAHsUIEz— Beyond the Monster (@BeyondtheMnstr) January 3, 2023
As we approach midnight on the east coast, Hamlin is believed to be in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where fans of both teams have begun to gather to show their support for the injured athlete.
