The 24-year-old defensive back collapsed Monday night after taking a hard hit to the chest while tackling receiver Tee Higgins during a game in Cincinnati.
Paramedics worked for 30 minutes and got Hamlin's heart going, while players from both teams cried and shocked surrounded the medical team.
The event was followed by millions of television viewers and audiences.
Hamlin was taken from the stadium in an ambulance and the game did not resume.
"No decision made"
The NFL announced that the Buffalo Bills-Cincinatti Bengals game will not be played this week, and could not guarantee that it will be played at all.
"The NFL has not made any decision regarding the possible resumption of play at a later date," the NFL said in a statement.
The league's other matches shall not be affected.