Damar Hamlin’s family asks for prayers after Buffalo Bills safety collapsed on field

The family of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin asked people to keep him in their prayers after team officials said he suffered a cardiac arrest during Monday night’s match against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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In a statement released by family spokesperson Jordon Rooney, family members shared thanks “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,” the statement read. “Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us. Please Keep Damar in your prayers.”

Family members added that they will release updates on the 24-year-old’s condition “as soon as we have them.”

Bills officials said Hamlin was in critical condition after he collapsed on the field following a hit on Monday night. He was injured while tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the game’s first quarter, The Associated Press reported.

For nearly 20 minutes, visibly distressed team members surrounded Hamlin as he received medical care, according to the AP and ESPN.

“His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment,” Bills officials said in a statement.

On Tuesday morning, Rooney said on “Good Morning America” that Hamlin was “fighting. He’s a fighter.”

“The family is in good spirits,” he said. “We’re honestly just taking it minute-by-minute and hour-by-hour.”

Officials with the NFL postponed the Bills-Bengals game after Hamlin’s collapse. Jeff Miller, an NFL executive vice president, on Tuesday told reporters that no plans had yet been made to play the game, according to the AP. Miller said officials were focused on Hamlin’s health.

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