During the first quarter of the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills, safety Damar Hamlin collapsed after a hit during the game and had to be given CPR twice.
In what was an incredibly startling scene, players on both teams were understandably visibly shaken up and the game was ultimately postponed. Hamlin was then quickly transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where fans gathered outside, and players like Stefon Diggs stopped by to check up on Hamlin.
It was announced on Thursday that there is no plan to resume the game. It must be difficult for all the players involved to continue to play going forward after what took place Monday night.
On a positive note, social media blew up with an outpour of support for Hamlin. All 32 NFL teams have taken to Twitter to show support for Hamlin, in addition to NFL players, and players in other sports like Indiana Pacer T.J. McConnell.
Also, his charity, The Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive has raised over seven million dollars with almost 230 donors. “We’re simply awestruck by the level of support and generosity we’ve seen over the past two days. With over $6 million raised, this fundraiser has become an overnight reminder of the incredible nature of humankind. Your actions directly reflect the type of human Damar is himself,” wrote Damar Hamlin’s team member on the GoFundMe page.
Damar Hamlin is awake and able to communicate. In fact, he woke up Wednesday night and asked in writing who won the game between the Bills and Bengals. Dr. Timothy Pritts of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center responded, “The answer is yes, Damar, you won the game of life.”
I hope that Damar Hamlin is able to make a speedy recovery both mentally and physically.
