NFL: After collapsing on the field, Damar Hamlin is in critical condition

The Buffalo Bills claimed that Hamlin had a heart arrest when he passed out on the field after making a tackle.

Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, had a heart arrest while playing against the Cincinnati Bengals and is now in critical condition.

The incident during the game on Monday night prompted an immediate outpouring of well wishes from spectators, pundits, and other players and called attention once again to the risks associated with the nation's most popular sport.

"During our game against the Bengals, Damar Hamlin experienced a heart attack as a result of a hit. His heartbeat was recovered on the field, and he was then taken to the UC Medical Center for more examinations and care, according to a statement from the Bills. He is currently under anesthesia and is rated as critical."

With 5:58 left in the first quarter, the 24-year-old made what appeared to be a conventional tackle on Bengals running back Tee Higgins, but instead of staying upright, he fell to his back and remained motionless.

Hamlin received oxygen while receiving CPR from medical professionals, according to ESPN, and was then carried into an ambulance that had been brought onto the field.

During the procedure, players from both NFL teams gathered around Hamlin. Many of them knelt to pray, and some were visibly moved by what they had seen.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game for tonight has

been postponed after Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed.

"We are thinking of Damar and the Buffalo Bills."

Later, Jordon Rooney, a marketing representative for Hamlin, tweeted: "Update on Damar: His vital signs have returned to normal, and he has been put to sleep so that a breathing tube can be placed down his throat. They are testing right now. As soon as there are updates, we'll let you know."

The Bills tweeted: "The hearts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar," but they did not immediately issue a statement outlining Hamlin's condition or the delay.

The Bengals quickly announced the postponement of the game on Twitter. As further information is made available, we will update this.

One of the most violent team sports, American football, and the NFL, which governs it, have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to player concussions sustained on the field.

Although accidents happen frequently in sports, some spectators said they had never seen an ambulance enter the field to treat a player.

In an interview with NFL Radio, retired quarterback Kurt Warner noted, "I've never seen anything like that before."

Drew Brees, a former NFL player, tweeted his worry for Hamlin and said that he stood for "every one of us and every teammate we've ever had."

According to the NFL Players Association, they have spoken with players on both clubs.

"Damar Hamlin is in our community's prayers, as is the NFLPA. Players from the Bengals and Bills as well as the NFL have been in contact with us. Damar's health and wellbeing are the only things that matter right now," the union wrote on Twitter.

Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, tweeted, "Pray for our brother."