The afternoon after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a prime-time NFL game, there was little news of note to report about Hamlin’s condition.
The Buffalo Bills disclosed Tuesday that Hamlin, 24, “spent last night in the intensive care unit and remains there in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.”
The Bills added that they “are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.”
Damar Hamlin Medical Update
Hamlin received life-saving care, including CPR, near midfield in the first quarter of Monday night’s Bills-Bengals game after collapsing after he made a tackle. A devastating scene played out on national television, with Bills and Bengals visibly shaken by what they had witnessed.
The NFL ultimately decided to suspend the game and announced Tuesday that there was no plan at this time to resume it. Week 18 will proceed as scheduled.
NFL Commission Roger Goodell on Tuesday notified the member clubs of the scheduling decision in a memo that included some fresh details about the events of the night before.
Goodell wrote:
“Damar experienced cardiac arrest and was promptly resuscitated by on-site physicians and independent medical personnel, all of whom were highly trained in implementing the plans for medical emergencies. Damar was stabilized and transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, a Level One trauma center, where he remains in the ICU.”
Goodell added that each club has since received information about mental health and support resources available to players and staff.
Bengals owner Mike Brown on Tuesday released a statement that read, in part:
“Last night was supposed to be a great night for the NFL and a great showcase for our hometown. Instead, the human side of our sport became paramount .. and in that moment, humanity and love rose to the forefront.
“As medical personnel undertook extraordinary measures, both teams demonstrated respect and compassion while fans in the stadium and people around the country bolstered the support for Damar and love for each other.
“The Bengals are thankful for the love and compassion shown by all. Praying for Damar.”
Hamlin’s family, meanwhile, released a statement earlier in the day thanking the public for “the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from around the country.
“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,” the family added. “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. Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as we have them.”