Sofia Sterlacci '25
For many American football fans, Monday nights are just as exciting as Sunday games, especially in the month of January leading up to the playoffs. But on Monday, January 2, that excitement turned into dreadful fear and agony as the entire nation watched grown men cry on the field when their teammate dropped to the ground after what looked like a normal routine play during the Bills vs. Bengals game.
The Bengals were leading 7-3 in the first quarter of the game when Damar Hamlin, the 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety, was hit in the chest by a Bengals player in what seemed like an everyday football play. After the two players collided, Hamlin stood up on his feet and fell back, leaving spectators confused and speechless. The feeling of the unknown continued to grow as more and more minutes passed while Hamlin still lay on the ground getting medical attention. Teammates and Bengals players built a wall of bodies covering the scene, but the player’s facial expressions, emotions, and behavior were filled with anguish. Hamlin was on the ground for approximately 19 minutes, where he received CPR and required an automated external defibrillator.
Hamlin suffered a rare cardiac arrest condition known as commotio cordis, which happens when there is a severe blow to the chest at the wrong time in the heart’s rhythm cycle. Although commotio cordis is extremely uncommon, most people recover. But, a person can suffer brain damage because of the lack of oxygen to the brain.
For hours and days after this terrifying event, the entire country waited on reports from doctors. Fans gathered outside of the Cincinnati hospital where doctors cared for Hamlin while praying for a miracle and for Hamlin to pull through. Social media was on fire while people sent thoughts and prayers and talked about the events.
Finally, on January 5, 2022, Hamlin woke up from being sedated after making great improvement, and in writing asked his doctors, “who won the game?” His doctors responded, “you did, you won in the game of life.” As the days passed, it was clear that Hamlin’s health was improving and his brain function was intact. This came as a great relief to the entire country who so closely followed this story as we learned more about Hamlin as a person and not just as a football player.
Hamlin began a foundation in 2020 to raise money for toys and clothing for children from underprivileged communities back in his hometown of Pennsylvania. He raised money via a GoFundMe page where the goal was to raise $2,500. After Hamlin's cardiac arrest, the GoFundMe page raised more than $6,000,000. This is truly a reflection of the impact Hamlin’s story made on all of those who watched.
Additionally, a positive spin in what started as a never before seen moment on live TV, CPR training has skyrocketed in many states. Hamlin’s story has proven that knowing CPR is a life-saving skill. Had it not been for the quick medical response that Hamlin received on the field, this story may not have had the same ending.
Hamlin has a long road ahead in his recovery, but doctors are impressed so far and fans are thrilled to see his improvement. And although the Bills lost, Hamlin was able to attend their last playoff game where he rooted for his team alongside his family, including his little brother who loves him and looks up to him so much.
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