Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin (left) blocks Bengals’ Tee Higgins during the first quarter of an NFL game played on January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (Getty Images North America/Dylan Buell)
Emotion and concern remained strong Tuesday around Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, who is still hospitalized “in critical condition” after suffering cardiac arrest following a horrific shock sustained Monday during a NFL championship game.
“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 New York State franchise tweeted.
The day before he had announced that the 24-year-old had “gone into cardiac arrest after a shock during the game against the Bengals. His heart started beating again on the field and he was transferred to the hospital for tests and treatment. He is currently sedated and in good criticism”.
Hamlin initially received medical first aid quickly, lasting more than half an hour, with ESPN reporting that CPR was performed. We were then playing the first quarter between the Bills and Bengals, and the “safety” (defensive player), who is in his second season in the NFL, had just collapsed on the floor, immediately after recovering from a violent shock during a tackle, at of his chest.
The bulletin board announcing the postponement of the Cincinnati-Buffalo game after a Bills player felt uncomfortable in the middle of an NFL game on January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Dylan Buell)
A terrifying sequence seen on a national channel by millions of viewers, watching this match between two Super Bowl candidates, in a packed stadium suddenly silenced. Inside, players from both teams gathered around him, many of them kneeling in prayer. Some were in tears.
– A very rare accident –
When transferred to hospital, Hamlin was on oxygen and was joined by family members present at the match. Fans of both teams gathered spontaneously, candles in hand, in front of the medical facility located about six kilometers from the stadium.
The NFL, which postponed the game indefinitely, “has not yet made a decision regarding its possible resumption at a later date,” it said in a statement Tuesday, adding it would not have any event that does not take place this week.
The governing body of this collective sport, the most popular and most violent in America, until now has had to deal mainly with the growing concerns about the concussions suffered by players following blows received to the head.
Already strict, the protocol in force was further strengthened last October, with a ban on any player from resuming a game in the event of an observed global motor instability factor, whatever the reason.
Fans of the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals gather outside the hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, where player Damar Hamlin was admitted the night of January 2-3, 2023 (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Dylan Buell)
A decision made following a controversy during a match between Miami and Buffalo at the end of September. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was present on the field despite a violent shock received a few days earlier and had to be carried out on a stretcher after suffering a concussion.
Fractures and ligament ruptures are also very common, but an accident such as cardiac arrest is extremely rare.
– Lively emotion –
There is only one precedent, dating back to 1971, when Chuck Hughes, player of the Detroit Lions, was a victim during a match against the Chicago Bears, without having previously suffered a shock. He had a family history and died in the hospital as both teams worked to finish the game.
Many NFL stars have posted messages of support on social media or to remind people of the risks of the sport. “Moments like this show in a different light what it’s like to play the sport you love,” wrote legendary Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.
Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) star LeBron James recalled that “the health of the players in all sports comes first. It was a terrible thing to see.”
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in shock after teammate Damar Hamlin is unwell in the middle of an NFL game, January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Kirk Irwin)
Even President Joe Biden who “heard of the horrific news” was moved, hoping “that Hamlin’s health improves quickly,” according to the White House spokesman.
On Tuesday, Hamlin’s family expressed their “heartfelt gratitude” for supporting Damar “during this difficult time,” in a statement.
She praised “the players, kind words, and donations from fans around the country” as well as “the first responders and medical professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided her with exceptional care.”
