In his comments to the media on Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley touched on several key points regarding the tragic injury to Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin on Monday night.
He was asked about his level of comfort in the protocols that the NFL has in place for incidents like the one that occurred between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. He responded with a lengthy explanation of his feelings on the matter.
“That is one of the things that I think everyone is discovering, just how incredible the response was and the poise,” Staley explained. “I think the level of expertise, the capacity of the people on that field that night and what they were able to do, they are well trained. I think that all of us can take a huge lesson from that. It is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. It is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that requires a once-in-a-lifetime response.
“I think the people in Cincinnati that night showed that they were ready, and that is what the NFL is about. On gameday, Dr. Yim said that there are probably over 30 people [on-hand], and then all of the resources that are on an NFL football field for these guys, to be ready for that moment. I am just really proud of those people and admire them in every way because it’s amazing.”
While the league hangs on every update regarding Hamlin’s condition, Staley is spot-on in his assessment of the protocols and procedures that enabled the swift response to Monday’s situation.
