The football world has been at a standstill since 24-year-old Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin collapsed on the Cincinnati Bengals' field Monday night, and the NFL has announced that the suspended game will not resume this week.
It was a horrifying scene at Paycor Stadium after Hamlin made a tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin stood up following the hit, suddenly went limp, and then collapsed. According to a team statement, Hamlin's heart stopped after the play at approximately nine minutes into the game. Medical personnel immediately went into action, performed CPR, and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) in an effort to restart the heart, according to WXIX-TV in Cincinnati. Hamlin received on-field treatment for at least 20 minutes before being rushed to a local hospital.
Hamlin has since been medically sedated and is listed in critical condition.
So far there have been no changes to the week 18 schedule, but the fallout from the incident has been wide-reaching. Several NFL teams slated for media interviews on Tuesday revoked their availability including the Indiana Colts and Houston Texans.
A GoFundMe fundraiser for Hamlin's 2020 toy drive campaign has seen an influx of donations and shattered the $2,500 goal, raking in more than $4.5 million.
His family issued a statement Tuesday thanking medical responders for providing "exceptional care" and the Bengals.
