Reflecting on a difficult week in the NFL

There was plenty of football to be enjoyed during a busy week seventeen as we continued the run up to the playoffs. However, the event that unfolded during the Monday night game between Buffalo and Cincinnati left me feeling slightly uncomfortable penning my usual bit given that a young man’s life hangs in the balance.

Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest left the sporting world stunned in a similar way that Christian Eriksen’s did during the European Championships in 2021.

The defensive back collapsed on the field after he was injured when making a tackle during a match against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hamlin then managed to get to his feet and appeared to adjust his helmet before tumbling backwards and lying motionless.

The Bills said his heart stopped, before his heartbeat was then “restored” on the pitch by medical staff. His football shirt was cut off, and he was reportedly given oxygen. The game was suspended, and later postponed.

There has been good news as doctors from the University of Cincinnati Medical Centre said although Hamlin is still on a ventilator and therefore cannot talk yet, the Buffalo Bills player asked doctors in writing which team won the game.

Dr Timothy Pritts said: “We would like to share that there has been substantial improvement in his condition over the past 24 hours.

In a medical update, Dr Timothy Pritts and Dr William Knight of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center said it appears Hamlin’s “neurological condition and function is intact”.

These events have resonated with me personally after my younger brother also suffered from a cardiac arrest four years ago. Thankfully, he was also fortunate enough to receive timely medical attention that might have just saved his life. As does the implantable cardioverter-defrillator that he had fitted, just as Eriksen also has and that Hamlin may need himself.

The encouraging news about Hamlin’s condition has made this easier to write and I, as I’m sure we all do, hope to continue to hear more promising updates over the coming days and weeks.

The footballing calendar will continue this week with plenty still left to be decided and as such, I will be back to the normal routine next week also.