Bills Say Damar Hamlin Suffered Cardiac Arrest in Game

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle during a game on “Monday Night Football” and his heartbeat was restored on the field, according to the team.

The second-year player collapsed on the field, was given CPR, and taken to a hospital in Cincinnati, where he is currently listed in critical condition, according to the Bills.

The NFL eventually postponed the game between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.

“Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills,” the NFL tweeted. “The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association, which is in agreement with postponing the game.”

Hamlin — selected in the sixth round (212th overall) out of the University of Pittsburgh during the 2021 NFL Draft — was injured with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter while making a tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. 

The 24-year-old received immediate medical attention on the field at Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium, which included responders administering CPR before being transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center by ambulance. 

Hamlin was reportedly intubated and according to a report at around 11 p.m. ET on Monday, his vitals were “back to normal” as doctors continue to run tests.

• At Pitt, Hamlin recorded 275 total tackles, six interceptions, 21 passes defended, and one fumble recovery. 
• Hamlin was selected to the All-ACC second team following the 2020 season.
• In his short tenure with the Bills, Hamlin has seen action in 29 games, including 13 starts. He has recorded 65 total solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, and six tackles for loss.
• In May 2021, Hamlin signed a four-year, $3.6 million contract with the Bills. 

Since Hamlin’s injury, his charity “The Chasing M’s Foundation” has raised more than $3 million for the foundation’s toy drive with the help of nearly 128,000 donors as of Tuesday morning. Launched in 2020, the charity — which aims to help children hit hardest by the pandemic — had an initial goal of $2,500.