Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, suffered a heart attack during Monday's National Football League (NFL) game versus Cincinnati.

After making a tackle on Bengals' Tee Higgins in the first quarter, the 24-year-old briefly rose to his feet before collapsing.

In Cincinnati, the game was delayed as medical personnel ministered to the injured player as players from both teams took a knee. Hamlin received CPR before being transported off the field in an ambulance.

The NFL then announced the postponement of the game.

The Bills said in a statement, "Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals,"

"His heartbeat was recovered on the field, and he was taken to the UC Medical Center for more testing and treatment. Currently, he is sedated and in critical condition."

As Hamlin was brought to the hospital at 9:25 p.m. local time, players from both teams, some with tears in their eyes, entered their respective locker rooms.

According to a statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Hamlin received prompt medical assistance on the field from the team, outside medical experts, and local paramedics.

"We are thinking of Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide additional details as they become available."

Hamlin's family descended from the stands to accompany him to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Local media said that fans of both clubs were waiting outside the hospital with candles while awaiting news.

Uncertain was the conclusion time of the game between two AFC contenders with the No. 1 seed on the line.

On a conference call, the NFL stated that the Bills would return to Buffalo and that a decision regarding the game would be made later.

The Bills will host the New England Patriots on the final day of the regular season, while the Bengals will face the Baltimore Ravens.

Jeff Miller, executive vice president of communications, public affairs, and policy for the NFL, told reporters, "That's not our consideration right now; our concern is for the player and his wellbeing,"

"I am sure at the appropriate time we will have a conversation around the next steps regarding the game."

Please be well

The NFL Players Association stated that Hamlin's health was essential.

It stated, "We have been in touch with the Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL," "The only thing that matters now is Damar's health and wellbeing."

Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, was among many who expressed concern about Hamlin.

"Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire community.

"@BuffaloBills community," She said on Twitter.

Please be okay, man, tweeted J.J. Watt, defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals.

Jessica Pegula, the daughter of Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, stated that she and her American teammates were appalled at the United Cup mixed-team tennis competition in Sydney.

"It is simply dreadful. There truly are no words. I'm relieved they ended the game, "Pegula stated. "It reminds you that other larger issues are more significant than sports and games. It was quite terrifying."

When the injury occurred, the Bengals were leading 7-3, and Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium became silent after Hamlin slumped, indicating the severity of the situation.

Fans, many of whom were openly crying, waited in their seats until it was reported nearly an hour later that the game was halted. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sought out his Bills rival Josh Allen and hugged him.

Please say a prayer for our brother, tweeted Allen.

No players or coaches held news conferences.

As spectators exited the stadium, a Bengals supporter held a placard that read, "Pray for Buffalo #3 Hamlin."

Hamlin, a native of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, who played collegiate football at the University of Pittsburgh, was selected in the sixth round, 212th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.