July 7, 2024

Sports fans rallied around Damar Hamlin after the Buffalo Bills safety collapsed on the field during the January 2, 2023, game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The then-24-year-old athlete suffered cardiac arrest after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins during the first quarter. While he initially stood up, Hamlin collapsed moments later, and medical professionals rushed to him on the field. After conducting nearly 10 minutes of CPR, Hamlin’s “heartbeat was restored on the field,” per the Bills.

The game was “temporarily suspended” after Hamlin was taken to the hospital in Ohio. He was “listed in critical condition” on January 3, 2023, according to the team.

The professional athlete, now 25, was discharged from the Ohio hospital on January 9, 2023, and transported to Buffalo. He continued to share his recovery duty via social media in the months that followed, including his first practice back with the Bills in June 2023.

Scroll through for more on Hamlin and the incident:



Where Did Damar Hamlin Receive Treatment? Hamlin was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. His teammate Stefon Diggs was spotted arriving at the hospital on January 2, 2023. ESPN reported that a cop wasn’t going to let him into the facility until he pleaded, “I need to be there for my teammate." Rick Osentoski/AP/Shutterstock
Where Did Damar Hamlin Receive Treatment? Hamlin was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. His teammate Stefon Diggs was spotted arriving at the hospital on January 2, 2023. ESPN reported that a cop wasn’t going to let him into the facility until he pleaded, “I need to be there for my teammate.” Rick Osentoski/AP/Shutterstock A360

What Has the NFL Said About Damar Hamlin? After viewers saw players seemingly warming up on the sidelines to resume the match-up, reports surfaced that the NFL wanted to continue the game due to playoff stakes, but the coaches and players refused. The organization claimed in its official statement that the NFL was in agreement to postpone the game. “Tonight’s Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced. Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported o a local hospital where he is in critical condition,” the January 2023 statement read. “Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available. The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is an agreement with postponing the game.” In his conference call, Vincent added: ”Emotions you can imagine in both locker rooms, and I commend both of those coaches. Tough situation to go back in and look at 53 men in the locker room and not that they asked but just to try and calm people down. It was obvious on the phone with them that the emotions were extremely high. It was a very volatile situation, and I thought the coaches, they led tonight. They led their locker rooms." Joshua A Bickel/AP/Shutterstock
What Has the NFL Said About Damar Hamlin? After viewers saw players seemingly warming up on the sidelines to resume the match-up, reports surfaced that the NFL wanted to continue the game due to playoff stakes, but the coaches and players refused. The organization claimed in its official statement that the NFL was in agreement to postpone the game. “Tonight’s Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced. Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported o a local hospital where he is in critical condition,” the January 2023 statement read. “Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available. The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is an agreement with postponing the game.” In his conference call, Vincent added: ”Emotions you can imagine in both locker rooms, and I commend both of those coaches. Tough situation to go back in and look at 53 men in the locker room and not that they asked but just to try and calm people down. It was obvious on the phone with them that the emotions were extremely high. It was a very volatile situation, and I thought the coaches, they led tonight. They led their locker rooms.” Joshua A Bickel/AP/Shutterstock A360

What Was the Initial Update on Damar Hamlin? The Bills provided an update via Twitter hours after the game was officially canceled. The statement read: “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.” Jordon Rooney, a rep for Hamlin, went on Good Morning America to “provide some clarity,” explaining he is currently “sedated” after a breathing tube was placed in his throat. “The family is in good spirits, we're just taking it minute by minute, hour by hour,” he said. “His family is strong, supportive. Obviously, they are worried. Damar is very close with his family.” Rooney subsequently told Daily Mail: “We have no concrete updates right now, last night they administered CPR on the field and got his vitals to a stable position. I’m not sure on the exact medical term, but he is sedated. He is intubated and I’m not sure if that is the same as an induced coma. From that point there hasn’t been a major update, they are really just monitoring him and seeing how he is and how it is best for him to recover. It was a surprise to us, we didn’t expect that to happen. He is healthy and fit.” John Sommers II/UPI/Shutterstock
What Was the Initial Update on Damar Hamlin? The Bills provided an update via Twitter hours after the game was officially canceled. The statement read: “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.” Jordon Rooney, a rep for Hamlin, went on Good Morning America to “provide some clarity,” explaining he is currently “sedated” after a breathing tube was placed in his throat. “The family is in good spirits, we’re just taking it minute by minute, hour by hour,” he said. “His family is strong, supportive. Obviously, they are worried. Damar is very close with his family.” Rooney subsequently told Daily Mail: “We have no concrete updates right now, last night they administered CPR on the field and got his vitals to a stable position. I’m not sure on the exact medical term, but he is sedated. He is intubated and I’m not sure if that is the same as an induced coma. From that point there hasn’t been a major update, they are really just monitoring him and seeing how he is and how it is best for him to recover. It was a surprise to us, we didn’t expect that to happen. He is healthy and fit.” John Sommers II/UPI/Shutterstock A360

Did the NFL Reschedule the Bengals vs. Bills Game? Nearly one week after the January 2, 2023, game was delayed, the NFL announced it would not be rescheduled. "The NFL has announced our Week 17 game will be a no contest," read a January 5, 2023, tweet from the Buffalo Bills, confirming the game would not be resumed. "A special league meeting will be held to vote on the possibility of the AFC Championship game being played at a neutral site." AP/Shutterstock
Did the NFL Reschedule the Bengals vs. Bills Game? Nearly one week after the January 2, 2023, game was delayed, the NFL announced it would not be rescheduled. “The NFL has announced our Week 17 game will be a no contest,” read a January 5, 2023, tweet from the Buffalo Bills, confirming the game would not be resumed. “A special league meeting will be held to vote on the possibility of the AFC Championship game being played at a neutral site.” AP/Shutterstock A360

What Has Damar Hamlin’s Family Said? The Pennsylvania native’s family released a statement via Rooney’s Twitter on January 3, 2023. “On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time,” they began. ​“We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.” The statement continued: "We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be a part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done." The family also asked fans to “please keep Damar in your prayers” and that they would release updates as soon as they have them. Courtesy of Damar Hamlin/Instagram
What Has Damar Hamlin’s Family Said? The Pennsylvania native’s family released a statement via Rooney’s Twitter on January 3, 2023. “On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time,” they began. ​“We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.” The statement continued: “We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be a part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.” The family also asked fans to “please keep Damar in your prayers” and that they would release updates as soon as they have them. Courtesy of Damar Hamlin/Instagram A360

When Did Damar Hamlin's Condition Start Improving? On January 3, 2023, Dorrian Glenn, Hamlin's uncle, told ESPN that his nephew was still sedated but "improving from where he was yesterday.” "We are just going to continue to pray, and I know he is in great hands with the medical team he has here. They have been doing a tremendous job,” Glenn added from outside the hospital, revealing that Hamlin had to be resuscitated for the second time after he arrived at the medical center. "I know he's still here, I know he's fighting,. We appreciate all the prayers and support we have been getting from people all over — not just the country, but the world. … It really means a difference for my family to see that, and I know it'll mean a difference to Damar when he sees that." Hamlin's agent, Ron Butler, subsequently told the outlet that the athlete’s oxygen levels had improved since the incident. Greg M Cooper/AP/Shutterstock
When Did Damar Hamlin’s Condition Start Improving? On January 3, 2023, Dorrian Glenn, Hamlin’s uncle, told ESPN that his nephew was still sedated but “improving from where he was yesterday.” “We are just going to continue to pray, and I know he is in great hands with the medical team he has here. They have been doing a tremendous job,” Glenn added from outside the hospital, revealing that Hamlin had to be resuscitated for the second time after he arrived at the medical center. “I know he’s still here, I know he’s fighting,. We appreciate all the prayers and support we have been getting from people all over — not just the country, but the world. … It really means a difference for my family to see that, and I know it’ll mean a difference to Damar when he sees that.” Hamlin’s agent, Ron Butler, subsequently told the outlet that the athlete’s oxygen levels had improved since the incident. Greg M Cooper/AP/Shutterstock A360

What Did Damar Hamlin’s Doctors Say? Hamlin's doctors revealed during a press conference on January 5, 2023, that the athlete began to make "substantial progress." While Hamlin was still unable to speak at the time, the medical experts said that he was awake and had written notes. "We're in the situation where we wanted to allow him to gradually wake up as the rest of his body was healing, and last night he was able to emerge and follow commands and even asked who had won the game," Dr. Timothy Pritts revealed. "When he asked, 'Did we win,' the answer is, 'Yes, Damar, you won the game of life.'" Pritts added that Hamlin's "neurological condition and function is intact," but he was still "critically ill." Rick Osentoski/AP/Shutterstock
What Did Damar Hamlin’s Doctors Say? Hamlin’s doctors revealed during a press conference on January 5, 2023, that the athlete began to make “substantial progress.” While Hamlin was still unable to speak at the time, the medical experts said that he was awake and had written notes. “We’re in the situation where we wanted to allow him to gradually wake up as the rest of his body was healing, and last night he was able to emerge and follow commands and even asked who had won the game,” Dr. Timothy Pritts revealed. “When he asked, ‘Did we win,’ the answer is, ‘Yes, Damar, you won the game of life.'” Pritts added that Hamlin’s “neurological condition and function is intact,” but he was still “critically ill.” Rick Osentoski/AP/Shutterstock A360

What Has Tee Higgins Said About Damar Hamlin? Higgins spoke out about the incident after practice on January 5, 2023, telling reporters his reaction in the moment. "At first, me being a football player, I'm thinking he just flopped," he said. "I looked again and seen what happen, I just turned my head and not think about it. I knew it was something crazy. Something tragic. It was hard." The wide receiver noted that he's been in touch with Hamlin's mother. "[She] texted me this morning, and told me about everything and it made me feel even more at home," he said, adding that he also visited the hospital where Hamlin is recovering. "I really appreciate them, just hearing from them and them having my back as well, so yeah. Feels good." Shutterstock (2)
What Has Tee Higgins Said About Damar Hamlin? Higgins spoke out about the incident after practice on January 5, 2023, telling reporters his reaction in the moment. “At first, me being a football player, I’m thinking he just flopped,” he said. “I looked again and seen what happen, I just turned my head and not think about it. I knew it was something crazy. Something tragic. It was hard.” The wide receiver noted that he’s been in touch with Hamlin’s mother. “[She] texted me this morning, and told me about everything and it made me feel even more at home,” he said, adding that he also visited the hospital where Hamlin is recovering. “I really appreciate them, just hearing from them and them having my back as well, so yeah. Feels good.” Shutterstock (2) A360

When Did Damar Hamlin 1st Speak to His Teammates? The NFL star got a chance to chat with his fellow Buffalo Bills during a call on January 6, 2023, as he continued to recover from his injuries. "Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches,” the team’s official social media accounts shared, adding that the athlete's message to the group was “Love you boys." During an interview with the NFL network on the same day, head coach Sean McDermott opened up about the conversation, calling it "amazing" and "touching." "Probably won't be able to do it justice, honestly, with words," he gushed. "To see Damar through my own eyes is something I've been looking forward to." Courtesy of Jp Waldron/CSM/Shutterstock
When Did Damar Hamlin 1st Speak to His Teammates? The NFL star got a chance to chat with his fellow Buffalo Bills during a call on January 6, 2023, as he continued to recover from his injuries. “Damar Hamlin FaceTimed into our team meeting today to talk to players and coaches,” the team’s official social media accounts shared, adding that the athlete’s message to the group was “Love you boys.” During an interview with the NFL network on the same day, head coach Sean McDermott opened up about the conversation, calling it “amazing” and “touching.” “Probably won’t be able to do it justice, honestly, with words,” he gushed. “To see Damar through my own eyes is something I’ve been looking forward to.” Courtesy of Jp Waldron/CSM/Shutterstock Jp Waldron/CSM/Shutterstock Jp Waldron/CSM/Shutterstock

What Has Damar Hamlin Said About His Hospitalization? “When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much,” Hamlin wrote via Instagram on January 7, 2023. “The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out.” He continued: “We brung [sic] the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me!” Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock
What Has Damar Hamlin Said About His Hospitalization? “When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much,” Hamlin wrote via Instagram on January 7, 2023. “The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out.” He continued: “We brung [sic] the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me!” Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock

When Was Damar Released From the Ohio Hospital? The UC Medical Center announced on January 9, 2023, that they were “thrilled and proud to share” that Hamlin was released from the hospital and back in Buffalo. “He is doing well and this is the next stage of his recovery,” the doctors said in a statement. Courtesy Damar Hamlin/Instagram
When Was Damar Released From the Ohio Hospital? The UC Medical Center announced on January 9, 2023, that they were “thrilled and proud to share” that Hamlin was released from the hospital and back in Buffalo. “He is doing well and this is the next stage of his recovery,” the doctors said in a statement. Courtesy Damar Hamlin/Instagram A360

When Was Damar Hamlin Discharged From the Buffalo Hospital? “Damar Hamlin has been discharged from Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute, a Kaleida Health facility in Buffalo, NY,” a Twitter statement from the Bills read on January 11, 2023, noting Hamlin had been admitted two days earlier and underwent a series of “comprehensive” medical evaluations. Critical care physician Jamie Nadler noted at the time that they were “confident” that Hamlin could be “safely discharged” and continue his rehabilitation from home. Rick Osentoski/AP/Shutterstock
When Was Damar Hamlin Discharged From the Buffalo Hospital? “Damar Hamlin has been discharged from Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute, a Kaleida Health facility in Buffalo, NY,” a Twitter statement from the Bills read on January 11, 2023, noting Hamlin had been admitted two days earlier and underwent a series of “comprehensive” medical evaluations. Critical care physician Jamie Nadler noted at the time that they were “confident” that Hamlin could be “safely discharged” and continue his rehabilitation from home. Rick Osentoski/AP/Shutterstock A360

How Long Was Damar Hamlin's Recovery? “Despite being out of the hospital, Damar still has a lengthy recovery,” Hamlin’s friend and business partner Jordan Rooney told CNN on January 20, 2023. “Damar still requires oxygen and is having his heart monitored regularly. He has visited with the team a few times but he still gets winded very easily. He’s upbeat and positive and ready to continue to overcome this.” Earlier that week, Hamlin’s coach, Sean McDermott, confirmed that the athlete had started to come to the Bills’ facility regularly. “It’s limited, just overall, but he comes in and — it really just started really today or yesterday — just trying to get back to a little bit of a routine, just getting himself acclimated again, taking it one baby step at a time,” McDermott told reporters on January 18, 2023. Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock
How Long Was Damar Hamlin’s Recovery? “Despite being out of the hospital, Damar still has a lengthy recovery,” Hamlin’s friend and business partner Jordan Rooney told CNN on January 20, 2023. “Damar still requires oxygen and is having his heart monitored regularly. He has visited with the team a few times but he still gets winded very easily. He’s upbeat and positive and ready to continue to overcome this.” Earlier that week, Hamlin’s coach, Sean McDermott, confirmed that the athlete had started to come to the Bills’ facility regularly. “It’s limited, just overall, but he comes in and — it really just started really today or yesterday — just trying to get back to a little bit of a routine, just getting himself acclimated again, taking it one baby step at a time,” McDermott told reporters on January 18, 2023. Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock A360

When Did Damar Hamlin Return to the Football Stadium? While he stayed off the field, Hamlin supported his teammates during the playoffs on January 22, 2023, when the Bills faced the Bengals for the first time since his collapse. He visited the team in the locker room before watching the game from a suite. Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock
When Did Damar Hamlin Return to the Football Stadium? While he stayed off the field, Hamlin supported his teammates during the playoffs on January 22, 2023, when the Bills faced the Bengals for the first time since his collapse. He visited the team in the locker room before watching the game from a suite. Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock Joshua Bessex/AP/Shutterstock

Back on the Field Hamlin made an on-field appearance at Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, with members of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center staff who cared for him following his January injury. Ahead of the game, the athlete said in a Good Morning America interview that he wants to return to play "eventually," adding that "processing [his] emotions" had been the toughest part of his recovery. "I'm a person who, I kind of like my privacy in a way," he explained. "But this situation just brought me to the light of the world, which is a good thing in a way, because I think I stand for so much good and I want to set a good example for communities around the world." Diggzy/Shutterstock
Back on the Field Hamlin made an on-field appearance at Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, with members of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center staff who cared for him following his January injury. Ahead of the game, the athlete said in a Good Morning America interview that he wants to return to play “eventually,” adding that “processing [his] emotions” had been the toughest part of his recovery. “I’m a person who, I kind of like my privacy in a way,” he explained. “But this situation just brought me to the light of the world, which is a good thing in a way, because I think I stand for so much good and I want to set a good example for communities around the world.” Diggzy/Shutterstock A360

In the Clear Hamlin and the Bills’ general manager, Brandon Beane, confirmed on April 18, 2023, that he was cleared by doctors for the upcoming football season. During his press conference, the football player revealed that he was diagnosed with commotio cordis, which is when something hits the athlete’s chest directly over the heart and results in cardiac arrest along with ventricular fibrillation. “I’m thankful and I’m blessed,” Hamlin said at the time, referring to his healthcare team and support from the Bills’ organization. “This event was life-changing, but it’s not the end of my story. I’m here to announce that I plan on making a comeback to the NFL.” Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for FOX/Shutterstock
In the Clear Hamlin and the Bills’ general manager, Brandon Beane, confirmed on April 18, 2023, that he was cleared by doctors for the upcoming football season. During his press conference, the football player revealed that he was diagnosed with commotio cordis, which is when something hits the athlete’s chest directly over the heart and results in cardiac arrest along with ventricular fibrillation. “I’m thankful and I’m blessed,” Hamlin said at the time, referring to his healthcare team and support from the Bills’ organization. “This event was life-changing, but it’s not the end of my story. I’m here to announce that I plan on making a comeback to the NFL.” Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for FOX/Shutterstock A360

Comeback Game Hamlin played in his first regular season game in October 2023, after 10 months on the sidelines. “That moment was everything to me,” he told reporters after running out of the tunnel. “I think it was more so about promising to myself than anything else — just showing myself that I have the courage, I got the strength, that I got the pride, everything … in me to be able to go through something so traumatic and to be able to come back from it. To be able to still do what I love at the highest level in the world is amazing.” Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
Comeback Game Hamlin played in his first regular season game in October 2023, after 10 months on the sidelines. “That moment was everything to me,” he told reporters after running out of the tunnel. “I think it was more so about promising to myself than anything else — just showing myself that I have the courage, I got the strength, that I got the pride, everything … in me to be able to go through something so traumatic and to be able to come back from it. To be able to still do what I love at the highest level in the world is amazing.” Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images Lauren Leigh Bacho Getty Images

Copyright 2023 Us Weekly. All rights reserved

This story was originally published January 2, 2024, 6:39 PM.


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