Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin in critical condition after on-field cardiac arrest

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed Monday night after making a tackle during the first quarter against the Bengals in Cincinnati, and the game has been postponed, officials said. of the team.

Hamlin, 24, is currently hospitalized in critical condition, Buffalo Bills officials said in A declaration posted on Twitter.

“Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest following a hit in our game against the Bengals,” the statement read. “His heart rhythm was restored in the field and he was transferred to UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”

The NFL released a statement earlier, saying, “Hamlin received immediate on-field medical attention from the team and independent medical personnel 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 is in constant communication with the NFL Players Association who have agreed to postpone the game,” the league added.

Hamlin was down for at least 15 minutes. Paramedics were seen administering CPR as players from both teams gathered in midfield, some openly crying.

Hamlin was taken off the field in an ambulance and both teams returned to their locker rooms.

Security was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Hamlin’s family thanked the hospital’s ‘dedicated first responders and medical professionals’ for their ‘exceptional care’ in a statement released Tuesday.

“Please keep Damar in your prayers,” the family said, while promising to post updates “as soon as we have them.”

Jordon Rooney, a spokesperson for Hamlin’s family, told ‘Good Morning America’ that the football player is a “fighter” and his family is in “good spirits.”

“We obviously take it minute by minute, hour by hour,” Rooney said.

Following the incident, the Buffalo Bills tweeted a photo of the team on the field on one knee.

“The thoughts and prayers of all the Bills Mafia are with you, Damar”, the team said.

Several NFL teams also tweeted that they send their prayers to Hamlin, his family and the Bills.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tweeted“I’m praying hard…please be alright man.”

Arizona Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt tweeted, “The game doesn’t matter. Damar Hamlin’s life matters. Please it’s okay. Please.”

Bengals owner Mike Brown called the medical response “outstanding” and said both teams “showed respect and compassion.”

Monday 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 have come to the fore,” Brown said. in a report.

“The entire city of Cincinnati sends our prayers to Damar Hamlin at this time. Our hearts are with you, your family and friends,” Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said. wrote.

Since Hamlin collapsed on the court, a GoFundMe toy drive he organized in 2020 has seen donations pour in – topping more than $1.5 million on Monday night, with an initial goal of $2,500 . ABC verified with GoFundMe officials that the page was originally started by Hamlin.

Fans also gathered outside the hospital after the incident to show their support.

“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support Damar has shown during this difficult time,” his family said in their statement. “We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words and donations from fans across the country.”

“Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us,” the statement continued.

This is a developing story. Please check for updates.

ABC News’ Will Reeve, Luke Barr and Keith Harden contributed to this report.