The Buffalo Bills have announced that safety Damar Hamlin is in critical condition in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during Monday's NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 24-year-old collapsed in the first quarter of the match at the Paycor Stadium, and play was immediately suspended as medics rushed to give Hamlin CPR.
The game was soon postponed as tearful sets of players were sent back to the locker rooms and anxiously awaited further updates on Hamlin's condition, and the Bills posted a statement on Twitter at 1.48 ET (6.48am UK time).
"Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals," the statement read. "His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition."
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Hamlin had made a tackle on Tee Higgins and rose to his feet before collapsing back onto the field at the Paycor Stadium, and an NFL statement confirmed the game's postponement.
"Tonight's Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced," the statement read.
"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 represented the Pittsburgh Panthers at college level before being selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, signing a four-year rookie contract.
Ben Knapton
