Off The Record
Damar Hamlin’s Family Releases Their First Statement As He Remains In Critical Condition
The NFL made a decision on the postponed game several hours after Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field with heart arrest during the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game on January 2.
Breaking: The Bills-Bengals game will not be resumed this week, the NFL announced.
— ESPN (@espn) January 3, 2023
There is no decision on potentially resuming it at a later date. pic.twitter.com/tUOfpCYbFS
Hamlin’s relatives also made their initial public statement around the same time:
"Please keep Damar in your prayers."
— ESPN (@espn) January 3, 2023
The family of Damar Hamlin released this statement Tuesday.
(via @jordonr) pic.twitter.com/PIZGUmFx16
“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,” the statement reads. “We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.”
“Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us,” the statement continues. “Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them.”
The Buffalo Bills’ 24-year-old safety Damar Hamlin passed out on the field during their game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, as was previously reported by At The Buzzer.
When the game was called off, the NFL issued a statement at 10:05 p.m. The text of that assertion is included below:
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2023
It wasn’t until about 2:30 a.m. EST that we heard from the Bills again. Damar Hamlin was found to be in a serious condition and required further sedation.
It was later learned that Hamlin’s heart did stop on the field, but that it was revived before he was brought to the hospital two miles away in an ambulance.
“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.”
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.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
And at around 1:30 p.m. on January 3, the Bills offered another update. “Damar Hamlin spent last night in the intensive care unit and remains there today in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.”
Hamlin was seen going in for a tackle and getting hit hard on national television, as reported by At The Buzzer last night. Hamlin stands up after taking a hit, walks a few feet, and then crumples to the ground.
Damar Hamlin Passes Out on the Field of the Monday Night Football Game
Trainers and emergency responders rushed to Hamlin’s side as soon as he struck the ground, and an ambulance was called out to the field. The world and Hamlin’s teammates watched in horror as CPR was performed on him for several minutes.
To any football player, coach, or fan, it was the most horrific sight they had ever witnessed.
An oxygen mask was applied, and Hamlin was taken away in an ambulance. The teams decided to briefly halt play after Hamlin was taken to the hospital.
At this time, additional information is unavailable. Hamlin, his loved ones, and everyone at the Buffalo Bills are in our prayers!
