The NFL world was shaken to its core on Monday night following Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was no exception.
Addressing the assembled media on Tuesday morning, the long-time Pittsburgh head coach addressed his feelings at seeing a player and person he has known for over 12 years in such severe circumstances.
Before I take any questions, I’d like to say something about Damar Hamlin,” Tomlin stated. “It’s a really personal thing for me, being a Pittsburgher, that young man being a Pittsburgher, I’ve known that guy since he was about 12.”
“I just have a lot of respect and love for him as a human being, and his dedication to pursuing his goals and dreams, which is what he’s doing right now: playing in the NFL.” It’s an honor to get to know young individuals like that and watch them make personal decisions and realize their dreams. I’ve had the opportunity to convey this to him.”According to the Bills, Hamlin experienced cardiac arrest during Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals while making what seemed to be a regular tackle on Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins, initially rising up and then falling forward. On the field, medical staff performed CPR and used an AED to restart Hamlin’s heartbeat before transporting Hamlin and his mother to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center by ambulance.
The 24-year-old second-year safety is in critical condition in the hospital.
