Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during a game against the Bengals. Following the incident during the Monday night game, he was taken to the Cincinnati hospital where doctors declared him to be in 'critical condition'.
"Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition," NFL said in an official statement.
The NFL announced the Bills-Cincinnati Bengals Monday Night Football game has been postponed. "Tonight's Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced," an NFL statement read.
Administered CPR for about 10 minutes
In the first quarter, Hamlin tackled Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin got up to his feet, but then collapsed backward onto the field. Hamlin required CPR while on the field for several minutes before being transported in an ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
As per ESPN, Hamlin was administered CPR on the field for more than 10 minutes and medical officials provided him with oxygen as he was carried on a stretcher.
"Hit in the upper chest area"
As per an AFP report, he was hit in the upper chest area.
"The NFL, one of the most violent team sports, has been dealing with growing concerns in recent years over concussion injuries for players from hits to the head," the report added.
"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," the Buffalo Bills tweeted.
While injuries are common in the sport, it is the first time an ambulance was required to treat a player, observers have said.
The most common injuries seen during football matches are hamstring strains, muscle stain, knee ligament injuries, rotator cuff strains, ankle sprain, achilles tendonitis, jumper's knee, shin splints, metatarsal stress fracture and concussions.
"The safety of players in all sports is always the most important. It was a terrible thing to see and I wish nothing but the best for that kid. I am a huge fan of the NFL and football and you never want to see anything like that happen," said NBA star LeBron James.
Fans and followers of Hamlin have prayed for his recovery. Hamlin's agent, Ira Turner, said: "Please continue to pray for Damar and his family. We currently have no update at this time. Will ask that you keep the family in your prayers."
"My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIsland the Hamlin Family. I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love," Tee Higgins has tweeted.
