The sporting world has been stunned by the tragic events that occurred on Monday night, but Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans has used it to reflect on his own approach to the game.
Monday's clash between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals was brought to a halt in the first quarter as Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field. The incident occurred shortly after colliding with Tee Higgins when making a tackle, and the game was then postponed as Hamlin was rushed to hospital.
The league has been stunned ever since, and it's been particularly emotional for members of the Bills and the Bengals, who experienced it first hand. It's likely that some players may be slightly more cautious going into tackles moving forward after what happened to Hamlin, but Evans is not one of them, as he expressed he now wants to go harder into hits.
Across media interviews in the build up to Week 18, only one topic has been on everyone's mind - Hamlin. The Bills issued a brilliant update on Friday as they confirmed that Hamlin had spoken to the team for the first time since the incident, saying "love you boys" via video call.
Hamlin was in critical condition in hospital, and until Friday was breathing via a tube. However, that has now been removed, and he is also communicating freely while he makes huge strides in recovery.
It's going to be a strange end to the regular season this weekend, with Hamlin going to be on everyone's minds while still attempting to focus on the job in hand. The hit on Hamlin will likely cause some concern for players moving forward, but Evans has quite the opposite mindset.
Evans was asked for his thoughts on the incident, and while sending his thoughts in the direction of Hamlin and his family, he is now determined to go even harder into hits. "Everybody that watched it can feel for him and his family, we've been praying for him and his family and heard he's doing a little bit better," Evans said in an interview with ESPN.
"Thank god, praying for the Bills and the Bengals, all the teams involved in that," He added. But when asked if he's shy away from hits or if there was any fear moving forward, Evans offered a rather different response than what was expected.
"Me personally, it was scary to see. But it just makes me want to go even harder because you never know when it’s gonna be your last time. You never know. Got to give your all every time."
The Buccaneers play the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18, but have already clinched the NFC South despite an up and down season. At one stage it looked like Tom Brady may not make the play-offs, but of course he is there again.
The Bills have also clinched their division, and will turn their focus to Sunday's clash against the New England Patriots. It's going to be a tough occasion, but with the Patriots needing to win, it will remain a competitive contest.
