CINCINNATI, Ohio (AP) — Buffalo defensive back Damar Hamlin was in critical condition early Tuesday after his heart stopped after a tackle during Monday Night Football, which was postponed indefinitely.
During the first quarter of the nationally televised game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin collapsed on the pitch and was treated for nearly 20 minutes before being taken to the hospital.
“Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after being hit in our game against the Bengals.” “On the field, his heartbeat was restored, and he was transferred to the UC Medical Centre for further testing and treatment,” the Bills said in a statement. “He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”
Jordon Rooney, a family representative who describes himself as a close friend of the player, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday that Hamlin’s relatives are in good spirits but are going through a difficult time and require privacy. He wouldn’t say much about Hamlin’s condition other than that he’s sedated.
According to ESPN, Hamlin was given CPR on the field while surrounded by teammates, some of whom were in tears, who shielded him from public view. He was injured while tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins on a seemingly routine play that did not appear to be particularly violent.
The NFL announced Hamlin’s condition shortly after he was taken to a hospital, but neither the league nor the hospital released any other details about the 24-year-old’s medical condition. The team’s statement was released before its flight arrived back in Buffalo early Tuesday.
On the play the 6-foot, 200-pound Hamlin was injured, Higgins led with his right shoulder, which hit the defensive back in the chest. Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins’ shoulders and helmet to drag him down. Hamlin quickly got to his feet, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand and then fell backward about three seconds later and lay motionless.
Hamlin was treated on the field by team and independent medical personnel and local paramedics, and he was taken by ambulance to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Teammate Stefon Diggs later joined Hamlin at the hospital.
About 100 Bills fans and a few Bengals fans gathered on a corner one block from the emergency room entrance, some of them holding candles.
Jeff Miller, an NFL executive vice president, told reporters on a conference call early Tuesday that the league had made no plans at this time to play the game, adding that Hamlin’s health was the main focus.
