Tee Higgins #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals (Douglas P. DeFelice, Getty Images)
Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals receiver whom Damar Hamlin tackled before suffering cardiac arrest, shared his support for the Buffalo Bills safety following the scary moment in Monday’s game.
Hamlin received CPR on the field before being transported via ambulance from Paycor Stadium to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
“My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIsland [and] the Hamlin Family,” Higgins tweeted shortly after midnight Tuesday. “I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love.”
The game between the Bengals and Bills was postponed after the medical incident occurred with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter. In an overnight update, the Bills announced Hamlin, 24, suffered cardiac arrest after the hit.
“His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment,” the team said. “He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”
Many within the sports community and beyond voiced support for Hamlin, including Bills offensive lineman Rodger Saffold, who described his teammate as a “kind caring extremely hard worker.”
“He is loyal honest and can always put a smile on your face,” Saffold tweeted. “He is more than an athlete, he is a son and brother. I pray God gives him mercy and brings him back to us.”
Bills quarterback Josh Allen urged fans in a tweet, “Please pray for our brother.”
“Never before have I ever witnessed anything like this. The game doesn’t matter,” tweeted retired Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Praying for Damar and his family.”
Fans have also supported Hamlin through a surge in donations to a toy drive he started in 2020. The online fund-raiser has received more than $3.7 million, greatly exceeding its original goal of $2,500.
Hamlin was drafted by the Bills in 2021. He is in his second season with the team.
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Originally published at Tribune News Service