Bills, Damar Hamlin's family thank supporters as he remains in critical condition

Record ID: 1705062

  • Title: Bills, Damar Hamlin's family thank supporters as he remains in critical condition
  • Date: 3rd January 2023
  • Summary: CINCINNATI, OHIO, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 3, 2023) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI MEDICAL CENTER WHERE HAMLIN IS BEING TREATED (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMBER MORAN, BENGALS FAN PRAYING FOR HAMLIN’S SAFE RECOVERY, SAYING: "It was just a surreal moment. I was scared. I'm like, I'm a Bengals fan. So I was really praying really hard that everything was okay and I still am. It's such a sad thing to notice and watch, and I feel like the world just stopped at that moment." VARIOUS OF OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI MEDICAL CENTER WHERE HAMLIN IS BEING TREATED (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMBER MORAN, BENGALS FAN PRAYING FOR HAMLIN’S SAFE RECOVERY, SAYING: "It's just a surreal thing. And it shows that, you know, it's another step in humanity. It's really a good thing for both organizations to come together. It's more than just football. VARIOUS OF OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI MEDICAL CENTER WHERE HAMLIN IS BEING TREATED (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMBER MORAN, BENGALS FAN PRAYING FOR HAMLIN’S SAFE RECOVERY, SAYING: "It's just a sad thing for the NFL community in sports in general just to see this happen. Just really pray for everyone that's involved." VARIOUS OF OUTSIDE PAYCOR STADIUM WHERE THE BENGALS PLAY (SOUNDBITE) (English) ELENA WEILER, FOOTBALL FAN SHOWING SUPPORT FOR HAMLIN’S SAFE RECOVERY, SAYING: "To be honest, when something like this happens, you don't expect it. It's it's not something you see every day. It's like a very rare thing, I believe. Like, yeah, they. They get hurt. But something like this is the first time I'd ever seen something like this. It's very rare." VARIOUS OF OUTSIDE PAYCOR STADIUM WHERE THE BENGALS PLAY (SOUNDBITE) (English) ELENA WEILER, FOOTBALL FAN SHOWING SUPPORT FOR HAMLIN’S SAFE RECOVERY, SAYING: "How the NFL reacted, basically. Maybe it just took them a little bit of time to figure out what to do or, you know, maybe they were hoping that it wasn't as bad as it is."
  • Embargoed: 17th January 2023 21:57
  • Keywords: AMBULANCE ARREST BENGALS BILLS BUFFALO CARDIAC CINCINNATI CONDITION CRITICAL EMERGENCY FANS FOOTBALL HAMLIN HOSPITAL INJURY NFL SPORTS
  • Location: CINCINNATI, OHIO, UNITED STATES / INTERNET
  • City: CINCINNATI, OHIO, UNITED STATES / INTERNET
  • Country: US
  • Topics: American Football,North America,Sport
  • Reuters ID: LVA001021803012023RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The Buffalo Bills said safety Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition on Tuesday (January 3) after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Monday (January 2) night game, while the player's family thanked supporters during this "challenging time."
    The Super Bowl-contending Bills said in a statement that Hamlin, 24, spent the night in the intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remains.
    "We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received so far," the Bills said.
    Athletes from the world of sports rallied to express support for Hamlin while all 32 NFL teams changed their Twitter profile pictures to read "Pray for Damar" in white letters along with his jersey No. 3.
    Famed Niagara Falls - both the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls - will also be illuminated later on Tuesday as a show of support for Hamlin, the Bills and nearby city of Buffalo.
    Hamlin's family said they would release updates on his condition as soon as they have any.
    "On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time," Hamlin's family wrote in a statement.
    "We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country."
    During the first quarter of Monday's game against the host Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin got to his feet after making a tackle and then collapsed.
    After having his heartbeat restored on the field as stunned players from both teams cried, prayed and hugged, Hamlin was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he was listed in critical condition. His mother was at the game and accompanied Hamlin to the hospital.
    The family also acknowledged the first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who provided care to Hamlin, as well as the Bengals and Bills organizations.
    "Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us," Hamlin's family wrote. "Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them."
    Selected by Buffalo sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Hamlin signed a four-year, $3.6 million contract that included a $160,476 signing bonus and average salary of $910,119.
    Hamlin spent his rookie season limited to playing special teams roles but was thrust into Buffalo's starting lineup last September after an injury to a team mate and his 91 tackles in 15 games this season are tied for second most on the team.
    NO DECISION ON GAME RESUMPTION
    The game between the Bills and Bengals, which Cincinnati led 7-3 late in the first quarter before it was postponed, has significant playoff implications for both teams.
    The NFL, whose regular season concludes on Sunday, said on Tuesday the game would not resume this week and that no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date has been made.
    NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a memo on Tuesday sent to all 32 teams said mental health and support resources are available to players and staff and that additional on-site services can be made available.
    Bengals owner Mike Brown said in a statement that his team sends thoughts and prayers to Hamlin and his family and asked that everyone support one another during "this unprecedented time."
    "Last night was supposed to be a great night for the NFL and a great showcase for our hometown. Instead, the human side of our sport became paramount ... and in that moment, humanity and love rose to the forefront," Brown said.
    "As medical personnel undertook extraordinary measures, both teams demonstrated respect and compassion while fans in the stadium and people around the country bolstered the support for Damar and love for each other.
    "The Bengals are thankful for the love and compassion shown by all. Praying for Damar."
    In late 2020, Hamlin created the Chasing M's Foundation and launched a fundraiser with a stated goal of $2,500 to buy toys for children ahead of that year's holiday season.
    The page, which has remained active, received nearly $3,000 during a two-year span through December 2022 but the total donations skyrocketed to over $4.6 million following his cardiac arrest as fans used it as a way to show their support.
    (Production: Eric Cox)
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