What to Know About Damar Hamlin’s Injury

The life-threatening injury to Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills during a game against the Bengals, televised on “Monday Night Football,” resonated around the league and the world of sports.

Here’s what to know:

What happened?

In the first quarter of the Jan. 2 game in Cincinnati, Hamlin, a 24-year-old safety, tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, taking him to the ground. Hamlin stood up after the tackle and took two steps but then collapsed to the turf. Higgins was not hurt.

Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and was administered CPR, and his heartbeat was revived on the field. He was then taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition.

After about an hour, and through conflicting reports about whether play might resume, the game was postponed indefinitely.

Fans were reliant on the game’s broadcaster, ESPN, for news about a terrifying injury rather than scores and highlights. “It was a nightmare,” said Joe Buck, the game’s play-by-play announcer. “It certainly was nothing that anyone is ever prepared for. You have all that hype and buildup, and everyone can’t wait to watch this matchup, and in the snap of a finger it’s completely different. Football just goes out the window.”

How is Hamlin now?

Hamlin was released from the intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Jan. 9 and transferred to the Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute before being discharged altogether on Jan. 11. The Bills said Hamlin was released after he underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation, including cardiac, neurological and vascular testing.