Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was in critical condition at a hospital after he collapsed after having made a hit in the first quarter of "Monday Night Football" against the Bengals in Cincinnati, officials said. Hamlin, 24, suffered cardiac arrest, the Bills said in a statement early Tuesday.
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.
Buffalo Bills put out a statement on Twitter at 1.48amET "Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals.
"His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition."
Jordon Rooney, Hamlin's friend and marketing rep, had earlier tweeted an update 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."
Hamlin’s agent, Ira Turner, also shared 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 took a hit to the chest from Bengals player Tee Higgins at about 8.55 pm.
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 FOX19's Joe Danneman.
He reportedly required automated external defibrillator (AED) on the field.
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 the team and independent medical staff and local paramedics," the statement reads.
"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.
"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."
