Damar Hamlin is Awake and "Neurologically Intact" at UC Medical Center

Hamlin, 24, went into cardiac arrest after a routine play during the first quarter of the Bills-at-Bengals game on Jan. 2. After colliding with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, Hamlin collapsed to the ground and underwent nine minutes of CPR on the field in front of teammates and thousands of hushed fans. Players from both teams looked on in shock, openly weeping and praying while emergency crews worked to restart Hamlin's heart. He was transported to UC Medical Center where he was intubated.


NFL writer Ian Rapoport tweeted on Jan. 5 that Hamlin had opened his eyes the evening before and had been "gripping the hands of those close to him."


The game, which was nationally broadcast as part of Monday Night Football on ESPN, was suspended and then postponed after a meeting among NFL officials and both teams' coaches. On Jan. 3, the NFL announced that the game would not be resumed this week. At the time of the pause, Cincinnati led 7-3.

On Jan. 5, Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins identified assistant athletic trainer Danny Kellington as the person who had first administered CPR to Hamlin as the Bills safety lay motionless on the field.

"Denny Kellington lets praise this name and person for reviving Our Brother Damar on the field," Dawkins tweeted. "Denny gave CPR and chest compressions to get his Heart Back Beating #DennyKellington And also thank you to all the doctors and Medical professionals that have helped and assisted ❤️❤️3."

Denny Kellington let’s praise this name and person for reviving Our Brother Damar on the field. Denny gave CPR and chest compressions to get his Heart Back Beating #DennyKellington And also thank you to all the doctors and Medical professionals that have helped and assisted ❤️❤️3

— Dion Dawkins (@DDawkins66) January 5, 2023

Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Breer confirmed Kellington's actions.

"One hero who should be recognized here: Last night, I was told the work of Bills assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington in administering CPR to Damar Hamlin on Monday was absolutely vital," Breer said. "The speed and skill with which he and others reacted = A huge difference-maker."

One hero who should be recognized here: Last night, I was told the work of Bills assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington in administering CPR to Damar Hamlin on Monday was absolutely vital.

The speed and skill with which he and others reacted = A huge difference-maker.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 5, 2023

Higgins, who was on the receiving end of the tackle that preceded Hamlin's collapse, has received criticism from some fans and industry mouthpieces who claimed that the wide receiver was partially responsible for Hamlin's condition. 

Most experts agree that the on-field clash between Higgins and Hamlin was routine, but ESPN analyst and former NFL linebacker Bart Scott claimed that Higgins had lowered his helmet to butt Hamlin with its crown, which is against regulations. Other analysts and industry experts immediately defended Higgins and slammed Scott for his comments. 

"Higgins actually hit him with the shoulder, it was a normal football play. ESPN themselves even clarified it during the show," NFL writer Doc Kleiman tweeted.

Sports marketing rep and Hamlin family friend Jordan Rooney said that the family wanted the backlash against Higgins to stop.

“Tee has reached out, Tee has been supportive. It was a freak accident. It was nothing that Tee could control," Rooney told CNN. “You can't support Damar and critique Tee in this situation because Damar’s family is not looking at it that way at all."

Big donations from Tri-State supporters

Hamlin’s charity, The Chasing M’s Foundation, has steadily received a massive wave of donations on GoFundMe following his collapse. The foundation, which supports children from his hometown of Pittsburgh with toys, school supplies and kids' camps, has received more than $7 million in donations as of press time, far exceeding its initial goal of $2,500.