Shock in the middle of the game: In the NFL, Damar Hamlin has to be resuscitated on the field by the Buffalo Bills. For minutes, the medics fight for his life before he is taken to the hospital. His condition is “critical”, they say.
There was a serious accident in the NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills: Damar Hamlin, defenseman for the Bills, collapsed during the game after a defensive action in the middle of the first quarter. He had collided with an opponent, but first got up and then just a split second later slumped and collapsed. Players from both teams formed a circle around him, and the ambulance was there immediately. The 24-year-old had to be resuscitated on the field. Only 16 minutes later could he be driven out of the stadium with an oxygen mask and taken to a hospital. He was placed in an induced coma.
The American Football League said Hamlin’s health was “critical”. The game was stopped when Cincinnati was 7-3. “Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field from the team, independent doctors and paramedics. He was then rushed to a local hospital and is in critical condition. Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. More information to come When we have it, we will share it,” NFL boss Roger Goodell said in a statement.
Hamlin’s agent Ira Turner said: “We don’t have an update (on his condition) at this time. Keep the player’s family in your prayers.” The NFL Players’ Association said: “We are in contact with the players of the Bills and Bengals as well as with the NFL. The only thing that matters right now is Damar’s health and well-being.”
After Hamlin was transported off the field by an ambulance, players from the Bills gathered and knelt on the ground together in a circle. Initially it was planned to continue the game after a five-minute warm-up. After angry reactions on social media and severe criticism from ESPN expert and former NFL professional Booger McFarland (“Nobody is interested in football right now”), the NFL and Commissioner Goodell then decided to abandon the game. When and in what form it should be continued was not initially clear.
The dramatic incident was reminiscent of the collapse of Danish national soccer player Christian Eriksen during the Danes’ first group game against Finland at Euro 2021. Eriksen was also resuscitated on the pitch at the time, and the game continued after a two-hour interruption. Eriksen was able to resume his career after a year’s break.