The Buffalo Bills released a statement Tuesday afternoon on safety Damar Hamlin’s health status after the 24-year-old suffered cardiac arrest during a game this week.
Hamlin collapsed with about six minutes left in the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game after he tackled Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, who had just pulled in a 13-yard catch. After the tackle, Hamlin got up, took a step backward, and fell to the ground.
“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. “We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.”
Damar Hamlin spent last night in the intensive care unit and remains there today in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
The team said in a statement several hours after the game that Hamlin’s heartbeat “was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment.”
The New York Times reported that medical professionals administered CPR while Hamlin lay on the field.
Hamlin’s family released a statement Tuesday afternoon expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support that fans have shown following the incident.
“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time,” the statement said. “We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.”
“We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar,” the statement continued. “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. Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them.”
Troy Vincent, the executive vice president of the NFL’s football operations, shot down rumors that the league had sought to continue playing the game after the incident.
“Neither coach was talking about resuming play, the players were not thinking of resuming play,” said Vincent. “How do you resume play after seeing such a traumatic event?”
“It wasn’t about proceeding with the game,” Vincent added. “The competitive aspect never crossed my mind, never crossed our minds.”