Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition after he suffered a cardiac arrest nine minutes into the game on January 2, 2023. The NFL game between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals was suspended on Monday night after the tragic moment that occured after the 24-year-old tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins toward the end of the first quarter.
Damar's rep Jordan Rooney explained on Tuesday morning that the player had been "sedated" after a breathing tube was placed in his throat. "The family is in good spirits, we're just taking it minute by minute, hour by hour," he said during an appearance on Good Morning America. "His family is strong, supportive. Obviously, they are worried. Damar is very close with his family."
His family released a statement that reveled how "moved" they had been by the outpouring of support.
"On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time," it read.
"We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans 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.
"We feel so blessed to be a 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."
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© Photo: RexDamar fell to the ground after tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins
They asked fans to "please keep Damar in your prayers".
After the tackle Damar initially got to his feet but quickly fell on his back. The game was halted and the athlete received on-field medical attention before being taken to hospital in an ambulance at 9.25pm local time.
It was later confirmed by his team, who issued a statement, that he had suffered a cardiac arrest.
The statement read: "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, 24, remains in a critical condition
It was reported that the NFL had asked players and coaches to continue the game, rumors that persisted after viewers saw players seemingly warming up on the sidelines.
However NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent denied the claims.
In a conference call, he admitted he was "not sure where that came from".
"Frankly, the only thing that we asked was that (referee) Shawn (Smith) communicate with both head coaches to make sure they had the proper time inside the locker room to discuss what they felt like was best. So, I’m not sure where that came from – five minutes warm up never, never crossed my mind, personally," he said.
"And I was the one – I’m saying 'I' not to be selfish – but the one that was communicating with the commissioner. We never, frankly, it never crossed our mind to talk about warming up to resume play. That’s ridiculous. That’s insensitive, and that’s not a place that we should ever be in."
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