Buffalo Bills player

Damar Hamlin

is in critical condition after

receiving cardiopulmonary assistance and being taken off the field in an ambulance

during the National Football League game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

In the game early Tuesday morning, the 24-year-old Hamlin got to his feet briefly after what appeared to be a routine tackle to stop the Bengals' Tee Higgins with 5:58 remaining in the first quarter.

But then he fell backwards.

The match was halted as medical personnel urgently attended to him and players from both teams took a knee.

The NFL later announced that the game had been postponed.

As Hamlin was evacuated to the hospital, players from both teams headed to their locker rooms, some with tears in their eyes.

"Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field from the team, independent medical personnel and local paramedics," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

Hamlin was transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.

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

Hamlins' family came down from the stands to accompany him as he was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Local media said

supporters of both teams stood outside the hospital awaiting news

, some holding candles.

It is unclear when the match will conclude.

The NFL said in a conference call that the Bills would return to Buffalo and that a decision would come later.

The Bills are scheduled to close out the regular season on Sunday when they host the New England Patriots while the Bengals take on the Baltimore Ravens.

"That's not our priority right now, our concern is for the player and his well-being," Jeff Miller, the NFL's executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy, told reporters.

"I am sure that at the appropriate time we will have a meeting on the next steps regarding the match."

"Pray for Hamlin"

The NFL Players Association also made Hamlin's health their number one priority.

"We've been in contact with the players from the Bills and the Bengals, and the NFL," he said.

"The only thing that matters right now is Damar's health and well-being."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed concern for Hamlin.

"Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones and the entire BuffaloBills community," she wrote on Twitter.

"Please get well," Arizona Cardinals player JJ Vatio tweeted.

The Bengals led 7-3 when the injury occurred and Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium went silent after Hamlin collapsed.

It quickly became clear that the situation was serious.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sought out his Bills counterpart Josh Allen and hugged him as

fans, many of whom were openly weeping, remained in their seats

until the announcement was made nearly an hour later .

that the game was suspended.

"Please pray for our brother," Allen tweeted.

The players and coaches did not hold press conferences.

As spectators filed out of the stadium, a Bengals fan stood solemnly holding a hastily made sign that read: "Pray for Buffalo #3 Hamlin."

Born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Hamlon trained in college football at the University of Pittsburgh and was selected by the Bills in the sixth round, 212th overall, of the 2021 NFL draft.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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