Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was given CPR on the field after collapsing during the game against Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.
The 24-year-old made a tackle on Tee Higgins during the first quarter and after initially rising to his feet, he then collapsed backwards onto the field.
Play was immediately suspended at around 8.55pm ET (1.55am UK) and an ambulance rushed onto the field to give Hamlin CPR for a suspected cardiac arrest.
Players from both sides were pictured in tears as he received treatment, and after he was rushed away to hospital, officials ordered the teams back into their respective locker rooms to await further updates.
A message displayed on the screens inside the Paycor Stadium read: "The game is temporarily suspended. Please stand by for further information."
The game was officially postponed at 10.01pm local time (3.01am UK), with an NFL statement reading: "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 to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.
"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 in agreement with postponing the game."
Hamlin joined the Bills on a four-year rookie contract in May 2021 and became a starting safety this season following a neck injury to Micah Hyde.
Neil Wilkes
