Damar Hamlin Heath, Future Focus Of Family, Friends, Fans, NFL Fraternity

NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service

Photo: Buffalo BillsUPDATED January 4, 2023 (This story will be updated on a regular basis):

• AP Sports: Damar Hamlin’s recovery is moving in “a positive direction” two days after the Buffalo Bills safety collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during a game against Cincinnati, the player’s marketing representative said Wednesday.

“We all remain optimistic,” Jordon Rooney told the Associated Press by phone. He said he was unable to go into further detail on Hamlin’s status at the request of his family not to provide specifics.

• Buffalo Bills:

“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."

• Pro Football Hall of Fame:

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame and the NFL Network will proceed Wednesday night with the announcement of the 15 Modern-Era Player Finalists for the Hall's Class of 2023.

“Out of respect for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest during this week's Monday Night Football game, the announcement had been postponed for at least 24 hours from Tuesday evening. The decision to postpone the program was made after discussions involving officials with the Hall of Fame, the NFL and the NFL Network.

“The Finalists will be announced beginning at 8 PM ET Wednesday (Jan. 4) on NFL Network. The organizations re-evaluated the situation Wednesday and determined the timing was appropriate to proceed with the announcement.”

• NBC Sports:

NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said on a Wednesday conference call that there are “ongoing” conversations with league officials and the two teams about how to proceed. Miller added that the league knows that a decision has to be made in “the coming days” given the fact that we are in the final week of the regular season.

We looked at a number of possible ways for the league to move forward with the Bills-Bengals game as well as the Week 18 schedule. Based on Miller’s comments, there should be some official word coming in the near future.

• NFL Network:

NFL evp-personnel Troy Vincent: “Everything is being considered” regarding the suspended Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game. "The guiding principles that took us into the 2020 season with COVID" are there. "It may not be perfect, but will allow those participating to be able to play."

• The Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive:

More than $6.5 million has now been raised to date, with the top donations $25,003 from Jim Irsay and the Indianapolis Colts, $25,003 from the Sheet Laundry Club, $20,000 from Jason Hanold and $18,003 from Robert Kraft and the New England Patriots.

Among others: Matthew Stafford ($12,000), Houston Texans ($10,003), Russell and Ciara Wilson ($10,000) and Tom Brady ($10,000).

January 3, 2023 (This story will be updated on a regular basis):

• NFL 2 PM (ET) today:

“The NFL continues to be in regular contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, and also the (Buffalo) Bills and (Cincinnati) Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association.

“After speaking with both teams and NFLPA leadership, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell informed the clubs today that the Bills-Bengals game will not be resumed this week.

“The NFL has made no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date.

“The league has not made any changes to the Week 18 regular season schedule.

“We will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available.”

• Hamlin's family issued the following statement this morning:

"On behalf of our family, we 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.

"We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. 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. Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them."

• Damar Hamlin’s The Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive is now showing more than $5 million raised (and counting).

According to the site’s overseers, “This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation.

“Damar created The Chasing M’s Foundation to use as a vehicle to bring lasting impact to his community. The foundation supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more.

“However, it has received renewed support in light of Damar’s current battle and we can’t thank all of you enough. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.

“If you would like to show your support and contribute to Damar’s community initiatives and his current fight, this is the place to do so. This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family.”

• The NFL this morning regarding the incident that occurred during the first quarter of ESPN’s coverage of Monday Night Football, during which commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman handled the unexpectedly urgent situation with decorum and professionalism:

“Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, 24, suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle during Monday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Bills announced early Tuesday morning. He is currently sedated and in critical condition.

“With just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter Monday night, Hamlin tackled Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins after a 13-yard catch. Hamlin got to his feet, then collapsed backward. Hamlin received CPR while on the field.

“According to the Bills, his heartbeat was restored on the field before he was transported in an ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment.”

• ESPN: "CPR was administered to Hamlin, 24, on the field for multiple minutes after he collapsed following his tackle of Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

“Hamlin received oxygen, according to the ESPN broadcast, as he was placed in the ambulance and taken off the field some 16 minutes after he collapsed. He then was driven to the nearby University of Cincinnati Medical Center."

• Yahoo Sports: Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott are on the receiving end of praise for their handling of the stunning situation at Paycor Stadium on Monday night.

After Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin suffered an injury that required CPR and an ambulance on the field of play, the broadcast showed Taylor running across the field to McDermott, where they conferred with game officials and then sent both teams to their respective locker rooms.”

• Buffalo Bills last night:

“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. 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.”

• NFLPA last night:

“Our union’s focus remains on the health of our brother, Damar Hamlin. We continue to be in touch with the clubs and NFL to ensure that the Bills and Bengals have every resource available to aid and support them during this time.”

• NFL last night:

"Tonight’s Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced.

“Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff 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 has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game.

• Bengals owner Mike Brown today:

"First and foremost, the Bengals continue to send thoughts and prayers to Damar Hamlin and his family. Our hearts are with everyone in this unprecedented time — what we can do is support one another.

"Last 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 rose to the forefront.

"As medical personnel undertook extraordinary measures, both teams demonstrated respect and compassion while fans in the stadium and people around the country bolstered the support for Damar and love for each other.

"The Bengals are thankful for the love and compassion shown by all. Praying for Damar.”

• The NFL held a conference call with members of the media late last night.

"It never crossed our mind to talk about warming up to resume play," said Troy Vincent NFL evp-personnel.

"That's ridiculous. That's insensitive. I’m not sure where that came from.

"Frankly, there was no time period for the players to get warmed up. Frankly, the only thing that we asked was that Shawn (referee Shawn Smith) communicate with both head coaches to make sure they had the proper time inside the locker room to discuss what they felt like was best.”

In October, Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt took the field on a Sunday just days after he says he went into atrial fibrillation. Watt said he had his heart shocked back into rhythm on Thursday.

Damar Hamlin’s The Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive.

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