Damar Hamlin Injury Update as Friend Reveals Details of Critical Condition

NFL player Damar Hamlin's "vitals are back to normal" and doctors have put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat, after the star collapsed during a game on Monday night, according to his friend and marketing representative.

Hamlin was in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest during a primetime U.S. National Football League game on Monday.

The 24-year-old Buffalo Bills player fell to the ground onto his back after colliding with wide receiver Tee Higgins 5:58 minutes into the first quarter of the match against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Higgins' helmet appeared to hit Hamlin in the chest. After receiving medical attention on-field for more than 30 minutes, he was rushed to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment, the Bills said. The NFL subsequently suspended the match.

The incident stunned the crowd into silence, and drew the spotlight back on how dangerous America's most popular sport can be.

Hamlin's friend and marketing representative Jordon Rooney gave an update on Hamlin on Twitter early on Tuesday morning.

In a tweet, Rooney said: "Update on Damar: His vitals are back to normal and they have put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat. They are currently running tests. We will provide updates as we have them."

The team also issued an update via its Twitter account on Tuesday morning: "Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition."

A few hours before, the team tweeted: "The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar."

Some of Hamlin's teammates stayed in Cincinnati while the rest of the team travelled back to Buffalo, New York, on Tuesday. Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs arrived at the hospital where his teammate was being treated on Monday night, ESPN reported.

Higgins also joined dozens of NFL players sending their well wishes to Hamlin.

"My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIsland the Hamlin Family. I'm praying that you pull through bro. Love," tweeted Higgins.

Newsweek has contacted Rooney and the team or further comment.

Hamlin, from Pennsylvania, joined the Bills last year as a safety. He was a sixth-round draft pick after playing for the University of Pittsburgh for in the 2016-2020 seasons, according to his Pittsburgh Panthers profile.