On January 2, 2023, during a nationally televised Monday Night Football game, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after tackling Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Immediately following the hit, Hamlin stood up briefly before collapsing on the field. Medical personnel rushed to his aid, administering CPR and utilizing an automated external defibrillator (AED). The game was suspended and later postponed due to the severity of the situation. This event brought the topic of commotio cordis, a rare but serious disruption of the heart’s rhythm that occurs as a result of a blow to the area directly over the heart at a critical time during the heartbeat cycle, into public discussion.
The immediate response and care provided to Hamlin on the field are widely credited with saving his life. The event highlighted the crucial role of readily available medical personnel and equipment at sporting events. It also underscored the importance of CPR training and AED accessibility for the general public. The outpouring of support for Hamlin and his family from across the nation and the world demonstrated the unifying power of sports and the deep concern for player safety. This incident spurred renewed focus on athlete health and safety protocols, particularly in high-impact sports like football.