Football fans are showing their support for Buffalo Bills player, Damar Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest during Monday night’s game against the Bengals in Cincinnati.
“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment,” the Bills said in a statement. “He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”
The game was stopped and ultimately suspended. Overnight, fans found a GoFundMe toy drive that the University of Pittsburgh alum set up after he was selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. The fundraiser, which set an initial goal of $2,500 to buy toys for kids impacted by the pandemic, has now surpassed $4 million after more than 123,000 donations poured in overnight.
When Hamlin started the toy drive, he wrote, “As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me. This campaign gives you the opportunity to contribute to our first initiative and positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.”
Jordon Rooney, a family representative, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday that Hamlin’s relatives are in good spirits but going through a lot and need their privacy. He declined to give details on Hamlin’s condition other than to say he is sedated.
“All I can say is he’s fighting; he’s a fighter,” Rooney said.
Jordon Rooney, a family representative who described himself as a good friend of Bills player Damar Hamlin, declined to give details on Hamlin’s condition during an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America." other than to say he is sedated.https://t.co/a4d8Hu0tL5 pic.twitter.com/WPfSBFtPZC
— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) January 3, 2023