Hamlin, 24, "was the victim of a cardiac arrest after a shock during our game against the Bengals. His heart started beating again on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical center (from Cincinnati, editor's note) for examinations and treatment. He is currently sedated and in critical condition," the New York State franchise wrote in a statement.

During the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Damar Hamlin, who is in his second season in the NFL as a "safety" (defender), received a violent blow while making a tackle.

He stood up before suddenly collapsing to the ground.

When he was taken to hospital, the youngster was on oxygen and his family, who were watching the game, joined him in the ambulance, US sports channel ESPN reported.

The image of the clash between Damar Hamlin (Buffalo Bills) and Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals) during the NLF match between the two teams, January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati © Dylan Buell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

Fans of both teams spontaneously gathered, candles in hand, outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (northeast) where he was hospitalized, about six kilometers from the stadium.

On the ground, Damar Hamlin had quickly received medical first aid, for more than half an hour, ESPN reporting that cardiac massage had been performed.

Players from both teams gathered around him, many of them praying on their knees, some in tears.

Buffalo players, including quarterback Josh Allen, looked particularly shocked at the sight of their inert teammate.

The crowd at the Cincinnati stadium fell silent and the television coverage faded away from the stage.

The match was "temporarily suspended" after a discussion between the coaches of the two teams and the referees, and the players were ordered to return to the dressing room.

Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals fans gathered outside the hospital in Cincinnati (Ohio) where player Damar Hamlin was hospitalized on the night of January 2 to 3, 2023 © Dylan Buell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

While a resumption seemed to be considered – resulting in indignant reactions on social networks – the NFL then published a press release confirming that the match was postponed indefinitely.

She then announced that the young player from Pennsylvania (northeast) was "in critical condition".

"Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available," the NFL added.

According to television footage, Hamlin was struck in the upper part of his chest.

Many messages have been published on social networks calling to pray for the Buffalo player, such as that of the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes: "I pray hard... Please get well man" .

"Health before all"

The star of the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) basketball team, LeBron James, also reacted.

"The health of players in all sports comes first. It was a terrible thing to see and I can only wish this youngster the best," he wrote.

The bulletin board announcing the postponement of the match between Cincinnati and Buffalo, after the discomfort of a Bills player in the middle of an NFL match, on January 2, 2023 in Cincinnati © Dylan Buell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

American football, one of the most violent team sports, has faced growing concerns in recent years about concussions among players from blows to the head.

Already strict, the protocol in force was further reinforced last October, with the prohibition for any player to resume a match in the event of a factor of global motor instability observed, whatever the reason.

This decision had been made following a controversy during a match between Miami and Buffalo at the end of September.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was present on the field despite a very violent shock received a few days earlier and had suffered a spectacular concussion.

This Monday, Cincinnati-Buffalo was the poster ("Monday night football") of the 17th day of the NFL, the two teams, already qualified, vying for the best places for the play-offs which will end with the Superbowl, the championship final and the biggest annual sporting event in the United States, in mid-February.

© 2023 AFP