NFL player in 'critical condition' after collapsing on field

WASHINGTON: Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during his Monday (Jan 3) night game against the Bengals and was taken to a Cincinnati hospital where he is in "critical condition", the NFL said, adding that the match had been postponed.

Part way through the first quarter, Hamlin took a hard hit during a tackle, stood up and then collapsed to the floor.

He received medical attention for more than 30 minutes, with ESPN reporting that he had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Players from both NFL teams gathered around Hamlin during the treatment, with many of them kneeling to pray and some openly weeping.

The crowd in Cincinnati remained silent and television coverage broke away from the scene on the field.

ESPN said that the 24-year-old Hamlin was provided with oxygen as he left after being placed on a stretcher and that his family, watching the game, joined him in the ambulance.

Reports said that Hamlin had been taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, about 6km away.

After the ambulance left the field, reports initially suggested that the game was going to restart following a five minute warm-up.

But once the two teams' coaches conferred with referees, players were told to head to the locker room, while the game was announced as being "temporarily suspended".

The NFL then issued a statement saying that league commissioner Roger Goodell had announced the game had been postponed and gave details of Hamlin's condition.

"Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition," the league said in a statement.

"Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills.