NFL’s Roger Goodell releases statement on Damar Hamlin collapsing, postpones Bills-Bengals

Monday night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced.

Hamlin received 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 – as of this posting – in critical condition.

“Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available,” the statement read.

According to the release, the NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association, which is in agreement with postponing the game.

Hamlin collapsed on the field and was administered CPR before being driven away in an ambulance during Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which was suspended after the injury.

Hamlin collided with Bengals receiver Tee Higgins after a completion. He got to his feet, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand, and then fell backward about three seconds later and lay motionless.

Hamlin was surrounded by stunned players from both teams. The ambulance was on the field four minutes after Hamlin collapsed, with many players in tears, including cornerback Tre’Davious White. The quarterbacks — Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow — embraced.

When Hamlin was taken off the field 16 minutes after he collapsed, the Bills gathered in prayer. He was driven to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Hamlin’s uniform was cut off and he appeared to be getting CPR from medical personnel. ESPN reported on its telecast that Hamlin was also given oxygen.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.