Damar Hamlin's family grateful for support, seeks prayers

On Tuesday, Hamlin's family thanked the public for their support and asked for continued prayers for the Buffalo Bills safety, who remains hospitalized in critical condition after going into cardiac arrest on the field in Cincinnati.

Our family would like to express our gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. The family was moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.

First responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center have given exceptional care to Damar. We are very lucky to be a part of the Buffalo Bills. We would like to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengalers for all they have done. The world to us is a result of your generosity and kindness. Keep Damar in your thoughts. The updates will be released as soon as possible.

• Chose Pitt over Ohio State and Penn State coming out of high school in western Pennsylvania • Was a second-team All-ACC selection in final season at Pitt, leading team with 67 tackles • Taken with the No. 212 overall pick, in the sixth round, of the 2021 draft by the Bills • Appeared in 14 games as a rookie, making two tackles

• Has appeared in 15 games this season, including 13 starts in place of injured Micah Hyde. Tied for second on Bills in tackles (91), with one forced fumble and 1.5 sacks

He is currently in a critical condition.

Several teams canceled their availability on Tuesday out of respect for Hamlin, including the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mike Brown said in a statement that the team's hearts are with everyone and that they can support one another.

It was supposed to be a great night for the National Football League and for our hometown. Brown said that the human side of the sport became paramount. As medical personnel undertook extraordinary measures, both teams showed respect and compassion while fans in the stadium and people around the country supported the love for each other.

The bengals are thankful for the kindness shown by everyone. I'm praying for him.

Hamlin's heartbeat was restored on the field after he suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in the Bills game. Hamlin collapsed on the field after making a tackle on the other side of the field. According to the broadcast, Hamlin received oxygen as he was taken off the field after collapsing. The University of Cincinnati Medical Center was where he was taken.

Hamlin was taken by the Bills in the sixth round of the draft out of Pittsburgh.

He has started in place of Hyde, who has been on injured reserve since the second week of the season. Hamlin is tied for the second-most tackles on the team, and he has 1.5 sacks this year, making 13 starts.

Hamlin has a foundation that raises money for toy drives. His goal was $2,500, but by Tuesday morning, donations had grown to over $4 million.

Hamlin, one of the top corners in the Class of 2016 out of Pennsylvania, chose Pitt over Ohio State and Penn State. He became a three-year starter and one of the most reliable players on a defense that required a lot from him.

Hamlin was a second-team All-ACC selection in his last season at Pitt. Pat Narduzzi said after Hamlin was drafted that he had that heart. He is the leader. Our defense was all about him. He will show his skills up there. I think he can do a lot of things.

The Bills players knelt together in a circle and then returned to the sideline after Hamlin left the field. The wide receiver called everyone over. However, instead of restarting the game, Taylor walked over to the Bills counterpart and met with the game officials. The league decided to delay the game after the Bengals were leading 7-3.

Some fans gathered outside of the hospital while others went in later on Monday.

The majority of the team stayed in Cincinnati. Shortly after midnight, the team left and came back to Buffalo.

We are thinking about the Buffalo Bills. The league said in a statement that they would give more information as it became available. The league has been in constant communication with the players association which is in agreement with postponing the game.

The referees association supported the suspension of the game.

A report was contributed to by a person.