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Damar Hamlin injury updates – Players in tears as Buffalo Bills safety collapses on field during Cincinnati Bengals game
BUFFALO Bills player Damar Hamlin is in a critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest following a hit during a Monday night football game.
Players and coaches from both the Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals were visibly shaken as emergency responders tended to Hamlin who collapsed on the field.
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The Buffalo Bills updated fans on Damar Hamlin's health after suffering a cardiac arrest during Monday's game against the Bengals.
"Damar Hamlin spent last night in the intensive care unit and remains there today in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center," the team said on Tuesday afternoon.
"We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far."
The Bills said their star safety's heartbeat was restored on the field and was immediately transported to UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment.
Jordon Rooney, Hamlin's friend and marketing rep, had earlier stating that his vitals were "back to normal" and "they have put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat. They are currently running tests."
Meanwhile, Hamlin's family expressed their "sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar" in a statement today, adding how "deeply moved" they are by the "prayers, kind words and donations from fans around the country".
After thanking the "dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center," they added: "We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support.
"We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they've done. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.
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"Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them."
Hamlin took a hit to the chest from Bengals player Tee Higgins at about 8.55pm.
The 24-year-old NFL safety got up after the play and then collapsed onto the ground.
Medics immediately ran onto the field to tend to Hamlin.
He was put on a backboard and stretcher and was given oxygen as he was loaded into an ambulance, per ESPN.
The ambulance transported Hamlin out of Paycor Stadium at 9.25pm and has reportedly taken him to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, per .
He reportedly required automated external defibrillator (AED) on the field.
Hamlin’s agent, Ira Turner, also an earlier statement saying: “Please continue to pray for Damar and his family. We currently have no update at this time. Will ask that you keep the family in your prayers.“
Hamlin's family, including his mother, came down from the stands and is reportedly with him at the hospital, according to ESPN.
The game was temporarily suspended as of 9.18pm local time to allow both teams to regroup, but officially suspended by the league at 10pm.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released an official statement on the suspension of the game.
"Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics," the .
"The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game."
"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," the NFLPA said in a statement.
PLAYERS AND TEAM REACT
The incident occurred with 5:58 left to play in the first quarter, with the Bengals leading 7-3.
Players and coaches were seen crying and had gathered around Hamlin and the emergency responders tending to him.
Many players appeared to be in shock and were embracing one another, forming a human wall around Hamlin.
The Buffalo Bills tweeted: "Bills Mafia is with you, @HamlinIsland."
Bengals wide receiver Higgins, who was involved in the tackle before Hamlin's collapse looked "distraught" leaving the locker room and was seen hugging his mom, according to reporter .
Dozens of NFL teams and other major sports organizations have tweeted words of support for Hamlin.
JJ Watt, who earlier this season announced via his Twitter that he had gone into atrial fibrillation, tweeted words of support for Hamlin.
"The game is not important. Damar Hamlin’s life is important. Please be ok. Please," Watt wrote.
Many current and former NFL players have tweeted out thoughts and prayers for Hamlin.
Some have also called for video of the incident to not be shared out of respect for Hamlin and his family.
"Please don’t share the video of the Damar Hamlin play. Share this because we are all Praying for him and his family," tweeted Robert Griffin III.
ESPN's Monday Night Football commentators have also appeared visibly upset while reporting on the latest updates on Hamlin.
"No one's been through this," former NFL quarterback Troy Aikman said during the ESPN telecast.
"I've never seen anything like it, either."
"All you can do is life him up in prayer," Scott Van Pelt said.
HAMLIN'S CHARITY
Hamlin picked in the sixth round of the 2021 draft by the Bills.
He played in 14 regular season games for the Bills last year as a rookie.
Through 16 games, Hamlin has recorded 91 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
It is unclear exactly what type of injury or medical emergency Hamlin sustained.
The young NFL player had created a charity, the Chasing M's Foundation, as he began his journey to the professional football league.
"I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me," Hamlin wrote in a description.
"I created The Chasing M's Foundation as a vehicle that will allow me to deliver that impact, and the first program is the 2020 Community Toy Drive.
The toy drive benefitted children impacted by the Covid pandemic.
In the hours following Hamlin's injury, the GoFundMe has exploded, raising more than $477,000.
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"Thank you so much for supporting me on and off the field," the GoFundMe reads.
"I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with you to help make the holiday season a little brighter for the kids in our community."
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