Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during the first quarter of a Monday Night Football matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. The defensive back was administered CPR before being taken away in an ambulance.
Hamlin collapsed after attempting to get up following a tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin appeared to lay motionless on the field after falling backwards.
Hamlin and medical staff were surrounded by players on both teams as the defensive back received CPR for several minutes. Many players were seen crying and praying on the field. Hamlin’s uniform was cut off before receiving CPR. ESPN reported on its telecast that Hamlin was also given oxygen.
“No one’s been through this,” Troy Aikman said on the ESPN telecast. “I’ve never seen anything like it, either.”
Following the injury, the game was suspended for 21 minutes. Players from both teams then walked off the field.
Hamlin was selected in the sixth round by the Buffalo Bills in the 2021 NFL Draft. The defensive back spent five years at the University of Pittsburgh, appearing in 48 games with the Panthers.
