The World Rallies Around Damar Hamlin After Suffering Cardiac Arrest in NFL Game
Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin
Greg M. Cooper | Credit: AP
By: Omar Cook
24 year old Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, suffered cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals Monday night. Hamlin collapsed on the field after making a tackle on Tee Higgins in what caused a scary scene, leaving players and fans in tears. Damar’s heartbeat was restored on the field after he was given CPR, and he was transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment.
The incident happened with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter and Cincinnati leading the game, 7-3. The Buffalo Bills released a statement on Damar’s current condition, stating he is still in critical condition.
Damar remains in the ICU in critical condition with signs of improvement noted yesterday and overnight.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 4, 2023
He is expected to remain under intensive care as his health care team continues to monitor and treat him.
In the midst of this horrific situation, there has been a positive as Damar has a GoFundMe set up to fund a toy drive in his hometown of McKees Rocks, Pa. His goal was to raise just $2500 but now the fundraiser has raised over $6 million with over 200,000 donors. What Damar needs most is support and this incident has brought a world of new fans and supporters to his side.
Several Bills players visited Hamlin in the hospital to show support. Fans also gathered outside of the hospital as many were affected by incident.
A few dozen people have shown up outside University of Cincinnati Medical Center for a candlelight/prayer vigil to continue lifting up Damar Hamlin. pic.twitter.com/dQry73qsa1
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) January 4, 2023
The incident shows the dark side of the football. Watching a player go down like that on live television is traumatizing for any viewer, or teammates. The game was obviously postponed as of course, the game itself was no longer important, with Hamlin’s health being a priority.
Hamlin was having a breakout season with 91 tackles made this year. Our prayers go out to Hamlin as we hope he can make a full recovery.
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