The Buffalo Bills on Tuesday provided an update on safety Damar Hamlin’s condition after he collapsed on the field during Monday night’s game, saying he remains in the intensive care unit.
During the first quarter, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw a pass to receiver Tee Higgins before Hamlin tackled him. Before the tackle, Higgins led with his right shoulder, which hit the defensive back in the chest.
Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins’s shoulders and helmet to drag him down. Hamlin quickly got to his feet, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand, and then fell backward about three seconds later and lay motionless.
Hamlin was down on the field for about 15 minutes before he was taken off the field in an ambulance. Both teams went back to their locker rooms moments later.
Hamlin’s family also released a statement saying they are expressing “sincere gratitude” for the outpouring of support that they had received. “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,” their statement said.
The NFL also announced Tuesday that it would be postponing the Bills–Bengals game, which would “not be resumed this week.” No decision has been made about “the possible resumption of the game at a later date,” an NFL statement said.
“The NFL continues to be in regular contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, and also the Bills and Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association,” the NFL added.
Jordon Rooney, a family representative who described himself as a good friend of the player, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday that Hamlin’s relatives are in good spirits but going through a lot and need their privacy. He declined to give details on Hamlin’s condition other than to say he is sedated.
“All I can say is he’s fighting; he’s a fighter,” Rooney said.
