Buffalo Bills Provide Update on Safety Damar Hamlin’s Condition

Buffalo Bills Provide Update on Safety Damar Hamlin’s Condition
Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after a tackle during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Nov. 13, 2022. (Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
Jack Phillips
1/3/2023
Updated:
1/3/2023
0:00

The Buffalo Bills on Tuesday provided an update on safety Damar Hamlin’s condition after he collapsed on the field during Monday night’s game, saying he remains in the intensive care unit.

“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, without elaborating. “We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.”
Early Tuesday morning, the Bills said he suffered cardiac arrest during the game, and his heartbeat was restored on the field.

During the first quarter, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw a pass to receiver Tee Higgins before Hamlin tackled him. Before the tackle, Higgins led with his right shoulder, which hit the defensive back in the chest.

Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins’s 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 down on the field for about 15 minutes before he was taken off the field in an ambulance. Both teams went back to their locker rooms moments later.

Hamlin’s family also released a statement saying they are expressing “sincere gratitude” for the outpouring of support that they had received. “On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country,” their statement said.

The NFL also announced Tuesday that it would be postponing the Bills–Bengals game, which would “not be resumed this week.” No decision has been made about “the possible resumption of the game at a later date,” an NFL statement said.

“The NFL continues to be in regular contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, and also the Bills and Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association,” the NFL added.

Jordon Rooney, a family representative who described himself as a good friend of the player, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday that Hamlin’s relatives are in good spirits but going through a lot and need their privacy. He declined to give details on Hamlin’s condition other than to say he is sedated.

“All I can say is he’s fighting; he’s a fighter,” Rooney said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
twitter
Related Topics