Damar Hamlin Showing Remarkable Improvement ... Buffalo Bills Say
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8:13 AM PT -- More great news -- Damar Hamlin has been able to open his eyes and is responsive ... and even "gripping the hands of those close to him," according to Ian Rapoport.
The Buffalo Bills say Damar Hamlin has made "remarkable improvement" over the last day, and while still "critically ill," it's clear the standout safety has made "steady progress."
The organization released a statement Thursday morning, updating fans on the condition of 24-year-old Hamlin, who has been hospitalized in the ICU since Monday night.
"Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours," the Bills said.
"While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress."
Hamlin's lungs were injured during the medical emergency, according to his uncle. Fortunately, doctors say they're healing.
There was also concern over the amount of time Damar's brain was without oxygen when his heart stopped ... so physicians saying he's "neurologically intact" is great news.
Of course, the whole country has been gripped by the story -- praying for Damar's recovery. President Biden even spoke about Hamlin on Wednesday.
President Joe Biden spoken with Damar Hamlin’s father and mother "at length" today.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 4, 2023 @NFL_DovKleiman
Biden said he doesn't think the NFL has become too violent. “I think working on the helmets, the concussion protocols, that makes a lot of sense."pic.twitter.com/OAE06FaWIx
Agency 1, Hamlin's management team, also took to social media to provide an update -- as well as thank fans for all the love.
Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Suffered Cardiac Arrest On Field, In Critical Condition
"The outpouring of support for Damar across the nation has been amazing. Thank you for the calls, messages, and emails. Damar has made substantial improvement overnight."
"We are so thankful for all of the first responders, doctors, and hospital staff and every one who has played a role in this process. Please continue to pray for Damar and we will provide updates as they are available."
Kaiir Elam, Bills cornerback, weighed in, too, writing "Our boy is doing better, awake and showing more signs of improvement. Thank you God. Keep the prayers coming please. All love 3!"
Originally Published -- 7:47 AM PT
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Damar Hamlin Father Calls Buffalo Bills Team ... Gives Health Update
Damar Hamlin's father just provided the whole Buffalo Bills team with an encouraging update on a Zoom call ... telling the squad their teammate is making progress, and "the team needed it."
Hamlin's dad, Mario, reached out to the entire Bills team on Wednesday, according to Adam Schefter ... and provided some much-needed (good) news on Hamlin's condition.
It's unclear what exactly the news was ... but word is it was positive, and it was a huge relief to the players, coaches and staff.
Of course, the Bills also provided a promising update on Wednesday saying the 24-year-old safety was showing "signs of improvement" just days after he went into cardiac arrest during the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The game was suspended after the scary incident and Hamlin has been in intensive care at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center since.
The NFL announced they will not resume the Bills-Bengals game before Week 18 ... and there's been no decision on if/when they'll resume the Bills-Bengals game.
Hamlin -- who logged 91 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble this season -- has received a ton of support from players and fans from around the country.
In fact, his Chasing M's Foundation has received over 220,000 donations since his injury ... and is currently over $7 million.
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Zac Taylor Reveals Convo With Bills Coach After Hamlin Incident 'I Need To Be At Hospital'
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3:10 PM PT -- Joe Burrow also addressed the media on Wednesday ... saying the Bengals captains met with the Bills captains to let them know they had no plans to continue Monday night's game.
"One, we wanted to show our support," Burrow says. "And two, at that point there had been no decision made on the game and we wanted to go over and let them know how we were feeling about playing."
"We didn't want to go back out there and that was the decision that ended up being made and I know they didn't want to go back out there either. So, we just wanted to make sure that they knew we felt the same way they did."
"Nobody wanted to continue the game in a situation like that," Burrow added. "I know how everybody would be feeling in our locker room if it was one of our guys, and I know how we were feeling and it was one of their guys. So it was a scary, emotional night."
Burrow added the team is willing to do whatever the Bills are willing to do as far as rescheduling the game.
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor says football was the last thing on Sean McDermott's mind after Damar Hamlin's medical emergency ... revealing the Buffalo Bills head coach told him, "I need to be at the hospital."
Taylor opened up to reporters for the first time since "Monday Night Football" on Wednesday ... breaking down what exactly happened after Hamlin left the field in an ambulance.
The fourth-year coach said he always knew McDermott to be nothing but the utmost professional ... and proved it as he handled the serious situation, and whether the game would continue.
"I won't disclose any of the private conversations Sean and I had except for this," Taylor said minutes ago. "When I got there, the first thing he said was, 'I need to be at the hospital with Damar. I shouldn't be coaching this game.'"
"That to me provides all the clarity because there was no ... unprecedented is the word that gets thrown around a lot about this situation because that's what it is," Taylor added. "But in that moment, he really showed who he was. That all his focus was just on Damar and being there for him, being there for his family at the hospital. And at that point, I think everything trended in the direction it needed to trend and the right decisions were made there."
The game -- which had playoff implications on the line -- was ultimately suspended ... and the NFL says it will not be made up this week.
It's still unclear if it will be rescheduled ... or scrapped altogether.
Originally Published -- 11:24 AM PT
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President Biden Called Damar Hamlin's Parents ... After On-Field Emergency
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President Joe Biden says he spoke "at length" with the mom and dad of Damar Hamlin ... after their son went into cardiac arrest on the field during Monday Night Football.
POTUS briefly spoke to the media in Kentucky before hopping aboard Air Force One ... when he revealed he had a conversation with the Hamlin fam.
46 was also asked whether football was just too dangerous ... in the wake of the terrifying medical emergency.
“Look, the idea that you're gonna have, look you've got guys that are 6'8", 340 pounds running a 4.8 40 ... If you hit somebody with that kinda ... now that's not what happened here ... but I just think it’s, I don't know how you avoid it,” Biden said.
President Joe Biden spoken with Damar Hamlin’s father and mother "at length" today.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 4, 2023 @NFL_DovKleiman
Biden said he doesn't think the NFL has become too violent. “I think working on the helmets, the concussion protocols, that makes a lot of sense."pic.twitter.com/OAE06FaWIx
Biden's comments come a day after White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters ... “We hope his condition and his health improves quickly, and like the rest of the nation our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and his teammates.”
Of course, everyone from LeBron James to Tom Brady have sent well wishes to the 24-year-old second-year pro ... in addition to millions of fans across the world.
In the wake of the incident, hundreds of thousands of people even dipped into their own wallets, donating an astounding $6 million to Damar's charity toy drive.
Hamlin is still fighting for his life in a Cincy hospital, though the team provided a positive update on Wednesday.
"Damar remains in the ICU in critical condition with signs of improvement noted yesterday and overnight."
"He is expected to remain under intensive care as his health care team continues to monitor and treat him."
The entire country, including the guy living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, is praying for Damar!
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Damar Hamlin Bills Give Health Update ... 'Signs Of Improvement'
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10:36 AM PT -- 1/4 -- The Buffalo Bills just shared some positive news on Damar Hamlin's status ... saying he remains in the ICU in critical condition, but has been showing "signs of improvement."
The team says Hamlin is expected to stay in the ICU as healthcare officials continue to monitor and treat him.
7:05 AM PT -- Damar Hamlin's family is clarifying a previous medical update provided by the Bills safety's uncle ... saying there was a bit of miscommunication regarding what happened after he collapsed on "Monday Night Football."
Hamlin's uncle told CNN on Tuesday that his nephew had to be resuscitated twice -- at the stadium and upon arrival at the hospital.
But, on Wednesday morning, a rep for the family cleared the air ... saying he was resuscitated once at Paycor Stadium after going into cardiac arrest.
The family says Hamlin's readings have been promising ... and there appears to be progress, according to Coley Harvey.
Damar Hamlin wasn’t only brought back to life on the field during Monday Night Football, but also as he arrived at the hospital ... this according to his uncle, who says the Bills safety's heart stopped for a second time.
Thankfully, medical personnel was again able to restart his heart.
Hamlin’s uncle, Dorrian Glenn, spoke to CNN outside the Cincinnati hospital on Tuesday ... where he provided an update on his 24-year-old nephew.
"He's still sedated right now," Glenn said. "They just want him to have a better chance of recovering better. So, they felt if he was sedated, his body can recover a lot faster than if he was awoke and possibly cause other complications."
NFL Says Bengals Vs. Bills Game Will Not Resume This Week
Glenn said Hamlin is using 50% of a ventilator now ... a big improvement from earlier in his hospitalization.
Hamlin's uncle added the former Pittsburgh Panther suffered lung damage ... but remained optimistic he would be able to breathe on his own.
Glenn also talked about the sheer terror the family felt as they watched their loved one collapse before CPR was performed for about 10 minutes on the field in Cincy.
"We were all in tears," Glenn added. "I'm not a crier, but I've never cried so hard in my life. Just to know, like, my nephew basically died on the field and they brought him back to life, that's just heartbreaking. To see all those grown men crying and all the emotion, it really was a gut punch, man."
"I would have been crying no matter who it was, but for it to be my nephew, it just had that much more impact on me, man," he said. "I'm just glad he's still alive and able to fight and try and get better and recover."
Dorrian also stated doctors have positioned Damar on his stomach in an effort to relieve pressure on his lungs.
"I just want to show my gratitude for the medical staff that were on hand," Glenn added, "because if not for them, my nephew probably wouldn't even be here."
Originally Published -- 1/3 7:28 PM PT
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Micah Parsons Rips Bart Scott For Blaming Tee Higgins For Damar Hamlin Incident
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Cowboys star Micah Parsons laid into former NFL player-turned-commentator Bart Scott ... who blamed Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins for causing Bills safety Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest during "Monday Night Football."
"Yoo are we serious?!!?," Parsons tweeted. "Why do we let some people speak on tv?! This was a freak incident but putting fault on another player is wild! They should make some of these guys go over lines or something or not even give them a seat at the table!"
Parsons wasn't done, firing off another tweet in response to Scott ... writing, "Like does not even consider how Tee Huggins feels before airing some bull shut like that! That traumatic event he just went through! I swear some of these tv guys have too much egos on these stages we give them!"
ICYMI, during an appearance on ESPN's First Take, Scott seemed to insinuate Tuesday Higgins was in part responsible for Hamlin going into cardiac arrest on the field.
On ESPN, Bart Scott blamed #Bengals WR Tee Higgins for the incident with Damar Hamlin.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 3, 2023 @NFL_DovKleiman
That is totally ridiculous, what happened was a freak accident.pic.twitter.com/5Sbh3GxslC
“Right before the tackle, he lowers his helmet, and he kind of throws his body into his chest,” Scott said on FT. “He’s standing up because he’s thinking he got to chase Tee Higgins at an angle to make a tackle, so he didn’t expect Tee Higgins to launch his body back into him."
He continued ... “It’s one of those things, a lot of times you see it as a linebacker … a running back comes through the hole, and he knows the contact is coming, so he lowers his helmet, and you can’t get underneath him so he’s able to get into you and your chest is exposed."
"They have taken that out of the game, but they don’t really regulate it as much as possible. I expect the league will be a lot more vigilant when it comes to that and using that penalty.”
As you know by now, Hamlin was carted off the field Monday night after his heart stopped on the field, and remains hospitalized at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where the 24-year-old appears to be making signs of progress, according to the Bills.
Scott responded to Micah directly on Twitter Wednesday, saying, "It’s wasn’t concise in my explanation but this was from the third segment. The first segment I said exactly what u said, it was a freak incident. And expressed my concern for Higgins and was happy his mom was there."
"You know how this works they use clips for attention."
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Niagara Falls Turns Lights Blue ... For Damar Hamlin
The love for Damar Hamlin is everywhere -- even Niagara Falls, which was illuminated in blue lights to show support for the Buffalo Bills player amid his recovery.
The landmark -- which is 19 miles from Buffalo and spans the border between Ontario, Canada and New York state -- displayed the tribute for 15 minutes on Tuesday night.
"Our collective thoughts are with him, his family, his team and the City of Buffalo," Niagara Falls' Twitter account shared.
The blue light was featured at the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls -- two of the three waterfalls at the iconic tourist spot.
As we previously reported, the 24-year-old safety went into cardiac arrest after tackling Tee Higgins during the Bills' "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hamlin -- who was unconscious -- received CPR on the field and was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in "critical condition."
As of Wednesday, he remains in the intensive care unit.
Since the scary incident, fans and celebs from all over have shown support by penning sweet messages and donating to Hamlin's Chasing M's toy drive ... which surpassed its initial goal of $2,500.
The GoFundMe page currently has more than $6 million in donations ... with huge contributions from Tom Brady, Robert Kraft and the Patriots, Russell Wilson and Ciara and Matthew Stafford.
About 150 #Bills fans holding a prayer vigil outside Highmark Stadium for Damar Hamlin. Jill Kelly, wife of Bills great Jim Kelly, is at the center. pic.twitter.com/kzTR3wjwhM
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 3, 2023 @JFowlerESPN
Fans also put signs, flowers and balloons outside the hospital ... and held a prayer vigil with Jill Kelly, the wife of Bills' legend Jim Kelly, outside the Highmark Stadium.
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Damar Hamlin Fake Fundraisers Created Online ... GoFundMe Deleting Them
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People are looking to profit off Damar Hamlin's tragic injury by creating fraudulent GoFundMe campaigns, advertised as helping the athlete who's currently fighting for his life ... but we're told the online company's already cracking down on anyone pretending to help the Bills player.
A spokesperson for GoFundMe tells TMZ ... there's only 1 verified fundraiser on the platform confirmed by Damar's family -- The Chasing M's Foundation Community Toy Drive, which has surpassed $4.7M since Damar's incident, as we reported.
We're told anything not authorized by the family is already being taken down in real-time.
For those unaware, several campaigns went live since Damar's cardiac arrest Monday night ... some saying the funds will benefit him directly while in the hospital, and others are exact replicas of his toy drive fundraiser.
It looks like the unauthorized campaigns didn't pick up a ton of steam ... one campaign was even created with the sole purpose of warning others about Damar-related scams.
It's worth noting that not all of these fundraisers appear to be malicious -- it seems some just want to help but didn't go through the proper channels to get it done properly.
A GFM spokesperson tells us the company's top priority is keeping people safe and to "protect the generosity of our donors" ... adding that it isn't uncommon for others to jump on the platform and try to help out. That being said, GoFundMe will continue to monitor the situation closely.
As we reported, Damar was transported to a nearby hospital after suffering from cardiac arrest on the field ... he remains in critical condition in the ICU.
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Shannon Sharpe Skipped FS1 Show Over Bayless Tweet Unclear When He'll Return
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Skip Bayless hosted Tuesday morning's episode of 'Undisputed' alone, without Shannon Sharpe, and it was no accident ... we're told the Hall of Famer was upset with the opinionated TV host's controversial tweet sent minutes after Damar Hamlin's heart stopped during MNF.
And, TMZ Sports is told the network -- which wants Sharpe back as soon as possible -- doesn't know if he will return to work on Wednesday.
The controversy started when Bayless tweeted ... "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."
The backlash came fast and furiously ... with everyone from fans to current and former star athletes like Darrelle Revis, Dez Bryant, "Sauce" Gardner and others going in on Skip.
Buffalo Bills Give Damar Hamlin Update, 'Signs Of Improvement'
In the wake of criticism, and less than an hour after his original message, Bayless attempted to clarify his point, writing ... "Nothing is more important than that young man's health. That was the point of my last tweet. I'm sorry if that was misunderstood but his health is all that matters. Again, everything else is irrelevant. I prayed for him & will continue to."
But, clearly, it wasn't enough for his partner, Shannon ... 'cause when 'Undisputed' went live Tuesday morning, Sharpe was nowhere to be found.
Interested to get official word on why Shannon Sharpe didn’t join Skip Bayless to talk about Damar Hamlin (or the tweet). We know little, except, as @Raggs_No_Riches smartly pointed out, there have been some tense on-air moments between them recently. pic.twitter.com/lWI1MQmiwi
— Timothy Bella (@TimBella) January 3, 2023 @TimBella
Some speculated Shannon could've simply had the day off, but our sources tell us that's not the case -- this was a direct reaction to Bayless' tweet.
A few minutes into the show, Skip seemingly tried to clear the air without directly addressing the reason behind Shannon's absence, saying, "Obviously, my partner, Shannon Sharpe, is not here today. I look forward to seeing him tomorrow."
Bayless also started the show telling the audience he was going to (attempt to) approach the show as he would any other weekday ... though he wasn't sure if he'd be able to get through the emotional topic.
"I apologize for what we've set out to do if it offends anyone because we're going to try to do the show pretty much as we usually do the show but I'll admit upfront, I'm still shook up by what happened last night to Damar Hamlin."
Skip continued ... "In fact, I'm still wrecked. In fact, I'm not sure I'm capable of doing this show today but after barely sleeping on it, I decided to give it a try. Maybe I'll fail, maybe we will fail but we're going to try."
Hamlin, most importantly, is still in the Intensive Care Unit of a Cincinnati hospital, fighting for his life.
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Mike Tomlin Emotional Over Damar Hamlin ... 'Personal Thing For Me'
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Mike Tomlin is devastated about Damar Hamlin after the Bills safety went into cardiac arrest on the field during Monday Night Football ... saying the situation is "a really personal thing for me."
The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach opened his media availability on Tuesday by explaining how Hamlin's condition hits close to home ... telling reporters, "I've known that guy probably since he was about 12."
Hamlin was a standout at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, receiving Class AAAA Defensive Player of the Year and All-State honors.
Tomlin says he was fortunate to have watched Hamlin develop into the player he is today.
"[I] got a lot of respect and love for him as a human being, his commitment to the pursuit of his goals and dreams of doing what it is he's doing right now, which is playing in the NFL," he added. "It's just an honor to get to know young people like that."
Tomlin reflected on the times he eventually coached against Hamlin -- when the Bills and Steelers played each other the last two seasons -- and says he always tells Damar how proud he is whenever they cross paths.
"I had the opportunity to express that to him whenever I see him," Tomlin said. "We play Buffalo each of the last two seasons, and he and I get to have a moment."
Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Suffered Cardiac Arrest On Field, In Critical Condition
As we previously reported, Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after a collision with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins ... and was transported to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition in the ICU.
Hamlin's medical emergency deeply impacted the sports world ... with NFL and NBA superstars like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees offering support for the 24-year-old.
"I got a lot of love for that young man," Tomlin added. "We lift him and that organization up in prayer. [I] reached out to Sean McDermott to lend whatever assistance I could, but I don't have a lot to add other than that."
"I just respect the fact you guys appreciate how personal it is for me. Not only for me, but for all of us as people that thrive in this space. That's not obviously something you ever want to see."
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Bengals Vs. Bills Game Will Not Resume This Week ... NFL Says
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The NFL just announced the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills will not return to the field this week ... this after Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during Monday Night Football.
Roger Goodell made the announcement official just minutes ago ... saying he spoke with both teams and elected not to resume the matchup prior to Week 18 -- the final week of the NFL season.
The league says it has not decided what to do about the contest ... and Week 18 will continue as scheduled.
The league says it has been in regular contact with the medical team caring for Hamlin ... as well as the Bengals, Bills, and NFL Players Association.
As we previously reported, Hamlin collapsed after tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter of Monday night's matchup ... and received emergency CPR for several minutes before being carted off the field and transferred to a local hospital.
The game was suspended ... and the league said Hamlin was in critical condition. The Bills later added he was stable, and his heartbeat was restored prior to leaving the field. He spent the night in the ICU, where he remains.
The game had playoff implications on the line ... but the NFL and both teams made it clear Hamlin's health is far more important.
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Bills Safety Damar Hamlin Suffered Cardiac Arrest On Field ... in Critical Condition
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10:36 AM PT -- 1/3 -- The Bills just provided a health update on Damar Hamlin, saying their starting safety spent the night in the intensive care unit ... where he still remains today. The team says DH is still in "critical condition."
The Bills also sent a message to football fans across the world, writing ... "We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.
8:53 AM PT -- 1/3 -- Damar's family just released a statement ... saying they, "want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country."
The family says Hamlin has been receiving exceptional care at the hospital ... and they are appreciative of the help from healthcare professionals and first responders.
The statement continued ..."We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they've done. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us."
The Hamlins ask everyone to keep praying for Damar as he continues to battle back to health.
10:57 PM PT -- Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field Monday night, according to the Buffalo Bills, who provided an update on his condition. Thankfully, Damar's heartbeat was restored before he left the field in an ambulance.
Hamlin is currently at UC Medical Center -- a level-one trauma facility -- where he's receiving treatment and undergoing testing.
The Bills say Damar Hamlin, who is sedated, is in critical condition.
9:28 PM PT -- Diggs and other Bills and Bengals players showed up to the hospital Monday night to support Hamlin … as well as fans of both teams.
ESPN reports Diggs pleaded with police to be allowed into the building to be with his teammate ... and eventually, he was able to enter.
Stefon Diggs joined Bengals and Bills fans outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in support of Damar Hamlin.@ColeyHarvey reports from Cincinnati: pic.twitter.com/H9NsrANay8
— ESPN (@espn) January 3, 2023 @espn
According to the report, Diggs told the cops, "This is my teammate. I have to be here for my teammate."
Troy Vincent -- the NFL's VP of Football Operations -- also addressed the situation in a conference call just now ... claiming resuming the game was never on the table.
Vincent also denied there were talks of having a 5-minute warm-up before continuing the matchup ... saying, "It never crossed our mind to talk about warming up to resume play."
"That’s ridiculous. That’s insensitive. That’s not a place we should ever be in."
7:08 PM PT -- The NFL says Damar Hamlin is currently in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
7:02 PM PT -- The league has announced the Bills vs. Bengals game will not continue on Monday night following Hamlin's injury. A makeup date and time have yet to be revealed.
Horrifying moment during the Bills vs. Bengals game on "Monday Night Football" -- Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin collapsed at the end of a play ... and required CPR in the middle of the field.
The incident happened just minutes into the game's first quarter ... right after Hamlin tackled Tee Higgins to the ground.
The 24-year-old -- a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft -- appeared to get up from the stop just fine ... but he seemed to lose consciousness as he got to his feet, and crumpled to the ground.
Medical personnel raced onto the field -- and according to the game's announcer, Joe Buck, officials performed CPR on him for several minutes.
He was eventually strapped to a backboard and loaded onto a stretcher. He was then taken off the field in an ambulance.
The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lDWNAOEPX4
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023 @BuffaloBills
Players from both teams were visibly concerned for the defensive back -- Josh Allen buried his face in his hands, while Stefon Diggs had tears running down his face. Reporters on the scene said multiple other players were seen crying.
The league has temporarily suspended play in wake of the injury.
Story developing ...
Originally Published -- 1/2 6:22 PM PT
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LBJ, Tom Brady, Drew Brees Show Support For Damar Hamlin ... After Collapsing On Field
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The sports world is rallying around Bills' safety Damar Hamlin after he went into cardiac arrest on the field Monday night ... with superstars like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees offering words of support as the 24-year-old fights for his life.
LeBron took the podium after scoring 43 points in Charlotte against the Hornets ... and spoke passionately about Hamlin, sending prayers. Bron also talked about the NFL's correct decision to postpone the game.
"The safety of players in all sports is always the most important." LeBron James on Damar Hamlin. pic.twitter.com/JUIBIUCHRF
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 3, 2023 @SpectrumSN
Tom Brady tweeted Tuesday morning, "We’re praying for Damar and his family this morning in Tampa. Moments like this put into perspective what it means to play this game we love."
"Thankful for our communities in Cincinnati and Buffalo for the overwhelming level of care and support I know they’ll continue to provide."
Retired quarterback and future Hall of Famer Drew Brees also expressed his concern for the second-year player out of Pittsburgh ... writing, "Damar Hamlin represents every one of us and every teammate we've ever had."
"I've never met him, but I know him as a member of our brotherhood. My family and I pray for him and his family as he recovers. God be with him."
Donovan Mitchell had a historic night Monday -- scoring 71 points in an overtime victory against the Bulls -- but the Cavs star made sure to offer his concern for Hamlin during his postgame presser.
"Prayers up for the Bills' safety," Mitchell said. "I had heard about it. I didn't see it, but I wish him and his family, we're praying for him. From the Cavalier organization, we want to wish the best and pray everything goes well."
Donovan Mitchell took time to show support for Bills DB Damar Hamlin after scoring a Cavs-record 71 points ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BNXzMkDhlc
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 3, 2023 @SportsCenter
Hamlin, selected by the Bills in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL draft, was carted off the field during Monday Night Football after his heart stopped beating following a collision with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.
The Bills said Damar was transported to UC Medical Center -- a level-one trauma facility -- where he's receiving treatment and undergoing testing.
Prayers up for Damar.
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Damar Hamlin Fundraiser Almost at $5 Million ... Tom Brady Donates $10K!!!
2:30 PM PT -- 1/3 -- Tom Brady is also pitching in to help Damar Hamlin -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB just gave $10k to the GoFundMe account, making it the top 3 donations.
2:20 PM PT -- 1/3 -- Currently, the Chasing M's Foundation Community Toy Drive has $4,856,300 and still counting.
9:04 AM PT -- 1/3 -- The donations continue to flow in ... with another MILLION dollars going to Damar's fundraiser since this morning -- resulting in $4,486,340 so far!!
New Orleans Saints quarterback Andy Dalton is contributing to the fundraiser ... giving $3,000 to the cause -- a nod to Damar's jersey number.
Remember, Bills fans donated more than $400k to the QB's foundation back in 2018 ... after Dalton's Bengals helped Buffalo make the playoffs.
Dalton and his wife were super appreciative at the time ... and eventually donated the money back to a local Buffalo hospital.
Andy also shared his well wishes Monday night ... saying, "Praying for Damar Hamlin!"
Andy's wife, Jordan, added ... "Let's come together as a community to support a cause that is important to Damar!"
Thousands have opened up their wallets in an effort to show love for Damar Hamlin following the Bills defensive back's scary collapse Monday night ... donating over $3 MILLION to the football player's toy drive fundraiser.
Hamlin initially started the charity effort back in 2020 -- in an attempt to gain funds so he could distribute toys to kids in need in Pennsylvania. His target goal was simply $2,500.
But, in the hours after Hamlin suffered a terrifying medical emergency during the first quarter of Buffalo's "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals, donations flooded in.
It hit $1 million roughly an hour after the 24-year-old had been rushed to the hospital, and by Tuesday morning, it was at $3,496,590.
Several NFL players appear to have given to the cause, as 49ers stars Trey Lance and Christian McCaffrey's names were written on the donation list.
In his note on the Gofundme page, Hamlin encouraged those who couldn't contribute monetarily to still help the cause ... writing, "We are accepting donated toys at the Daycare Center or simply spread the word by sharing this fundraiser on your social channels."
As we reported, the Bills say Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after he tackled Tee Higgins to the ground. The team said, thankfully, "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," Bills officials added.
Hamlin joined the Bills in 2021 -- and had started 13 games for the team this season.
Originally Published -- 6:20 AM PT
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Bills RB Nyheim Hines Cops Feet Heat For Xmas Eve Game 'Santa's Helpers' Cleats!!!
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Nyheim Hines is ready to be both Josh Allen AND Santa's helper this Saturday ... the Bills running back just copped some awesome cleats for Buffalo's Christmas Eve game -- that are elf-themed!
TMZ Sports has learned ... the tailback -- who was traded to the Bills in November -- wanted a Xmas design on his feet to celebrate the holiday during the pregame of Buffalo's tilt with Chicago. So, he hit up his main cleat artist Rodney Jackson for the hookup ... and, as always, the guy delivered.
Jackson customized a pair of Adidas spikes for the 26-year-old ... wrapping the kicks in green velvet material -- just like Santa's elves. The shoes also feature red trimming all over -- plus jingle bells.
The design was all Jackson's idea ... and we're told it only took about two hours to put together, despite a need to finesse the curvy toes.
"I cut elf slippers and added a lil' more stuffing [to the cleats], glued it, sewed it, and added new bells to it," Jackson said.
Of course, this won't be the first Xmas weekend game Hines has been swagged out for ... last year, when he was an Indianapolis Colt, he wore Jackson-made furry Grinch pre-game cleats.
Santa approves, no doubt!
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Bills' Isaiah McKenzie Game Machines For My Guys!!! ... Star Doles Out Epic Gifts To Buffalo Receivers
Best teammate ever?!?
Isaiah McKenzie just threw his hat into the ring for that title in the NFL ... 'cause the Bills wideout gifted his fellow receivers custom arcade game machines for the holidays -- and they're awesome!!
McKenzie shared the presents with his guys on Thursday ... and you can see in video of the goodies, they're decked out in Bills colors -- with the players' pictures and jersey numbers on them too.
Isaiah got a machine for Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Tanner Gentry, Jameson Crowder, and Khalil Shakir, plus one for himself. He also made sure to grab one for the team's WR coach, Chad Hall.
Each one had a bow on it -- and when the guys saw them, they went crazy.
"My boy got us right!!" Davis said. "Appreciate u my boy!!"
Added Shakir, "Real one big bro!! Appreciate you."
The arcade game machines come equipped with the popular NFL Blitz series already on it -- something the players made sure to ask about -- and over 9,600 other games.
It's been a generous week for many around The Shield ... both Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen helped hook up some of their teammates with scooters -- while Patrick Mahomes gifted several Chiefs with golf clubs.
Not bad presents at all ... but even those guys gotta admit it's no match for a classic arcade game machine.
Better luck next year, fellas!!