Team mates of American football player Damar Hamlin responded in prayer after he collapsed during an NFL game.
Medical staff rushed on to the field in Cincinnati to give Hamlin CPR following a collision with Bengals receiver Tee Higgins that impacted his chest.
The young player briefly got to his feet before falling to the ground, motionless.
An ambulance was brought on to the field to administer CPR to the 24-year-old. He had to be resuscitated twice after suffering cardiac arrest.
Buffalo Bills players were seen taking to their knees to pray for their fellow teammate as he was taken away by emergency services.
“The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar,” the team tweeted following the event.
The thoughts and prayers of all of Bills Mafia are supporting you, Damar. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lDWNAOEPX4
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
Evangelist Franklin Graham applauded their response saying the team knew he needed help “only God can give”.
“The @BuffaloBills know who to call out to for help! The team dropped to their knees in a circle of prayer after Damar Hamlin was taken away via ambulance. They knew that he needed help that only God can give. Today, millions of people continue to pray for him—& I'm one of them,” Graham tweeted.
The @BuffaloBills know who to call out to for help! The team dropped to their knees in a circle of prayer after Damar Hamlin was taken away via ambulance. They knew that he needed help that only God can give. Today, millions of people continue to pray for him—& I'm one of them. pic.twitter.com/fgofDSC3KN
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) January 3, 2023
The Buffalo Bills player was transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Centre and remains in a critical condition. Many supporters joined a vigil outside the hospital on Tuesday to pray for his return to health, some carried crosses.