The NFL world witnessed another horrific injury last night in the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. The visiting team’s young defender, Damar Hamlin, sustained a serious, life-threatening injury and was rushed to the hospital instantly.
What actually happened to Damar Hamlin?
The 24-year-old was in the starting lineup for the Bills as they faced the 17th week’s last match. He only got to play for five minutes before collapsing on the field with no symptoms. During the first quarter of the game, Damar completed a tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins and quickly got up, followed by a horrific collapse.
According to the ESPN broadcaster, “He made a hit, he got up, took a couple of steps and then just fell to the ground.” The team’s medical personnel treated him for 10 minutes and suddenly they started administering CPR and defibrillator. After showing no signs of improvement, the Hamlin was placed on the ambulance and rushed off to Cincinnati Medical Center. His family was also taken away afterwards.
During this time, the whole stadium went into a chilling silence, and the Bills players were seen to be emotional and distressed. As the paramedics were providing treatment, both teams’ players surrounded him to maintain privacy. This incident reminded us of Denmark’s soccer player Christian Eriksen’s shocking cardiac arrest during the Euro championship.
The match was initially ‘temporarily suspended’ and postponed after an hour by the NFL, which provided an official statement regarding the injury.
Prayers from people at all levels—players, coaches, fans, and celebrities—for the young pro footballer and his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Damar, his family and the Buffalo Bills ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/A03jGU4J9S
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2023
The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lDWNAOEPX4
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
Our thoughts are with @HamlinIsland as well as the entire @BuffaloBills organization ❤️💙
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 3, 2023
Keeping you in our thoughts, Damar 🧡
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) January 3, 2023
Sending big prayers & love to @HamlinIsland right now 🙏🙏🙏
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 3, 2023
Please pray for our brother.
— Josh Allen (@JoshAllenQB) January 3, 2023
Praying for Damar Hamlin. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and the entire @BuffaloBills community.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) January 3, 2023
My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIsland the Hamlin Family. I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love 🙏🏾💙
— Tee Higgins⁵ (@teehiggins5) January 3, 2023
Damar Hamlin was drafted in the 2021 NFL draft and picked by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round. Before that, he played for Pittsburgh from 2016–2021.
There is still no update from the hospital regarding the defender’s health. Stay tuned to SportsZion for more. We are praying for Damar Hamlin and his family.
