On January 2nd, 2023, the Buffalo Bills had a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati.  Only 10 minutes into the game Joe Burrow threw a short pass over the middle to Tee Higgins which he tried to turn upfield.  Damar Hamlin came in to lay a hit on Higgins to secure the play.  Immediately after the tackle, Hamlin stood up and then fell to the ground.   The trainers for both teams rushed to his assistance as he laid on the ground.  Not knowing what was happening, both teams circled around the injured Hamlin in worry and to show their support.  About 11 minutes after Hamlin collapsed, an ambulance came onto the field to escort him out.  At this point it was not known to the public what happened and how it was being handled.  

Soon after, it was revealed that Damar Hamlin had collapsed due to Cardiac Arrest while the Bills assistant athletic trainer, Denny Kellington, administered CPR until he was put into the ambulance.  Everyone in the Bengals stadium that day showed their love and support for Damar as an outpour of support came through to show how loved Hamlin was and how important safety triumphs over everything.  Many people were quoted saying that nothing is more important than the safety of that young man, because at the end of the day it is in fact just a game.  They then canceled the game in order to ensure the players wouldn’t have to play under any circumstance they feel uncomfortable in.

While this was the right decision, some were not too happy to see this game go unplayed, as it had large playoff implications pending the outcome of that game.  Skip Bayless posted his opinions on Twitter, “No doubt the NFL is considering postponing the rest of this game – but how?  This late in the season, a game of this magnitude is crucial to the regular-season outcome… which suddenly seems so irrelevant.”  Many saw this post as insensitive to the situation at hand and were not pleased with Bayless’ thoughts on the matter.  All in all, the NFL made the smartest and most considerate choice to cancel the game in order to ensure both teams that they could process their emotions in a calm order.  

Many prayers and much love has been sent towards Damar and his family.  He is now doing well and out of the hospital.  Not much has been said about his return to the NFL but every fan and player hopes he will be back soon.