NFL game suspended after player suffers 'sudden cardiac arrest' in NFL first

In a rare occurrence, yesterday’s Monday Night Football game was suspended mid-game after a player suffered a cardiac arrest on the field. 

The incident occurred after 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin tackled Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin rose, adjusted his face mask, and collapsed. He required 10 minutes of CPR and was placed on oxygen before being taken away by ambulance. Hamlin's teammates knelt on the sidelines in prayer as the coaches met with the referee and agreed to suspend the game. 

“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals,” the Buffalo Bills said in an update early Tuesday morning. “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.” 

Until COVID-19, NFL games had been canceled or rescheduled only three times since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Several games were rescheduled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and three games were rescheduled in 2021 due to positive COVID tests.  

This marks the first reported NFL game suspended for an injury. In 1971, Detroit Lions receiver Chuck Hughes collapsed on the field of heart failure, but the game continued. 

Hamlin’s cardiac arrest comes just days after former NFL player Uche Nwaneri was found dead in his home. Autopsy results Monday revealed the 38-year-old Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker had died of an “enlarged heart with acute heart failure.” 

Last month, NFL legend and four-time Superbowl champion Franco Harris died in his sleep at 72, though no cause of death was disclosed. 

Also in December, New York Jets rookie offensive tackle Max Mitchell was sidelined after doctors found blood clots in one of his lungs and his right leg. 

In November, 56-year-old former NFL defensive lineman Brad William Henke died in his sleep. No cause of death was disclosed. 

Also in November, 45-year-old former NFL defensive lineman Adrian Dingle died unexpectedly. No cause of death was disclosed. 

Health concerns among athletes have been rising since 2021, when an investigation found a five-fold increase in sudden cardiac and unexplained deaths among FIFA players in 2021.