‘A Really Personal Thing For Me’: Mike Tomlin Expresses His Emotional Response to the Damar Hamlin Collapse

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday reacted to Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, who’s from Pittsburgh, going into cardiac arrest during a Monday night NFL game.

Hamlin, 24, reportedly Following a tackle against Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter, he suffered cardiac arrest. The game was temporarily suspended, and then postponed. After the field collapse, medical professionals performed CPR and Hamlin was taken to the hospital in an ambulance 16 minutes later. He is currently at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he’s been sedated and is in critical condition.

After a hit in our match against the Bengals, Damar Hamelin experienced cardiac arrest. His heartbeat was reestablished on the field, and he was then transferred to the UC Medical Center where he will be treated and tested for more. He is currently listed as critical and is sedated.

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023

“I’ll say this about Damar Hamlin,” Tomlin stated Tuesday that he spoke to reporters. “Man, it’s a really personal thing for me, being a Pittsburgher, and that young man being a Pittsburgher. I’ve known that guy probably since he was about 12.”

“Just got a lot of respect and love for him as a human being, his commitment to the pursuit of his goals and dreams of doing what it is he’s doing right now, which is playing in the NFL … to make that a realization,” The coach continued. “It’s just an honor to get to know young people like that, I’ve had the opportunity to express that to him whenever I see him.”

Tomlin expressed appreciation for Hamlin’s maturation, which fulfilled his dream. “I’ve got a lot of love for that young man, we’ve lifted him and that organization (the Buffalo Bills) up in prayer,” he said, adding that he respected the media’s understanding of how “personal” This matter is for him and others.

WATCH:

“It’s a really personal thing for me, being a Pittsburgher.”

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin discusses his relationship with Damar Haylin

“I’ve known that guy probably since he was about 12.” pic.twitter.com/ZiIpTbPh5Y

— Emily Giangreco (@EmilyGiangreco) January 3, 2023

Both the Bengals and Bills players quickly reacted to the incident with prayers, some even tears.

Joe Burrow and Josh Allen hugging, this moment broke my heart #mnf pic.twitter.com/1XCdviO2vd

— Austin Luff (@AJMMA_) January 3, 2023

Josh Allen, Bills quarterback, posted a tweet to Twitter immediately after the game. “Please pray for our brother.”

We ask for your prayers for our brother.

— Josh Allen (@JoshAllenQB) January 3, 2023

The Bills tweeted “The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar.”

Other NFL players reacted too, including J.J. Watt from the Arizona Cardinals, who posted. “The game is not important. Damar Hamlin’s life is important. Please be ok. Please.”

Hamlin’s family released Tuesday a statement thanks to fans and both teams.

A statement from Damar Hamlin’s family pic.twitter.com/I0QFQehUc0

— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2023

Related: 51 Years Ago, Chuck Hughes Died After Collapsing On The Field. The NFL Kept Playing.

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