Bucs Gameday

Bucs, Tom Brady Join NFL World Responding to Injured Bills Defensive Back Damar Hamlin

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and members of the organization are joining the entire NFL community, hoping for the best for the injured Buffalo Bills defensive back.

David Harrison

In this story:

For hours, the NFL world came to a stand-still after Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during Monday Night Football.

The game between the Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals faded into the background as reports that Hamlin received CPR before being transported by ambulance off the field and to a local trauma center emerged.

Injuries are a known risk of playing football.

But nobody signs up for that.

And no fan or media member observing from the edges of the arena anticipates witnessing a scene like that unfold.

Along with many others, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, members of the organization, and players like quarterback Tom Brady all sent messages of support to Hamlin, his family, and his team.

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And like many, we awoke on Tuesday in search of updates, hoping for the best.

"Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in the Buffalo Bills' game versus the Cincinnati Bengals," the Buffalo Bills said in a statement. "His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition."

Rather than share the video of Hamlin's distress, many have chosen to share one of the 24-year-old greeting his family prior to a game earlier this season.

And more still are showing their support for Hamlin by donating to a toy drive fundraiser, organized by his Chasing M's Foundation.

At last tally, the fundraiser was nearing $4 million in donations.

The events on Monday night showed the potential downsides to America's favorite sport.

But it's also helped reveal a rallying spirit, with everyone hoping, wishing, and praying, for Hamlin's full recovery.

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David Harrison
DAVID HARRISON

David Harrison has been in sports media since 2015 using written, audio, and video media to cover athletes, coaches, and games. In addition to covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for BucsGameday and Locked On Bucs he also covers the Washington Commanders for Commander Country and Locked On Commanders and the Washington Wizards for Inside the Wizards. David also covers the NFL as a whole as one of the Friday hosts for Locked On NFL. He is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and previously spent 20 years as an active member of the United States Army. Contact David via email at david.w.harrison82@gmail.com or on Twitter @DHarrison82.