Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs skip media availability in wake of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest
Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest was a traumatic event for players, fans, and pundits. As such, much of the league and industry as a whole held a tacit day of silence for the player. While articles and stories from other teams were run occasionally, the vast majority of what was said was about the safety.
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs followed suit on Tuesday, according to Chiefs Wire. Neither the quarterback nor any member of the team showed up at the podium. They weren't the only team to skip availabiilty, either. According to Touchdown Wire, multiple teams decided not to hold press conferences that day.
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However, on Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills were back at practice, according to Ian Rapoport. The team didn't hold a full practice session. They just held meetings and did walkthroughs.
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Hamlin hit Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in a routine play on Monday Night Football. After the hit, Hamlin quickly stood up but immediately collapsed. Play stopped for a number of commercial breaks as it was eventually learned that he was receiving CPR on the gridiron.
Damar Hamlin's family friend and marketing rep @jordonr, speaking with @CameronWolfe on @nflnetwork: "Right now, things are really in a positive direction .... I can't speak specifically to it, but it's moving in a positive direction."
An ambulance was present on the field. According to the New York Post, commentator Joe Buck doesn't vividly remember the traumatic event, calling it a "blur."
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Eventually, play was suspended as players returned to their locker rooms to determine whether to continue playing the game. After a wait, the game was suspended for the night and no plans have been made as to when the game will be made up or if it will be at all. The safety is currently at a local hospital in Ohio and is still fighting for his life.
Fans, teams and players poured out their support online, with dozens of NFL players such as Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, JJ Watt, Kyler Murray, and others offering their prayers and sympathy.