Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and more send prayers to Bills safety who collapsed during Monday Night Football

CINCINNATI — Monday night's Bengals-Bills game was postponed after safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field.

Hamlin tackled receiver Tee Higgins in the middle of the first quarter. After the hit, he got on his feet before falling to the ground. Medics rushed onto the field and worked on Hamlin for more than 10 minutes before an ambulance took him off the field.

According to a tweet by the team, Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following the hit. His heartbeat was restored on the field before he was taken to the hospital. The team said Hamlin is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.

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.

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023

Late Tuesday morning Hamlin's family released a statement saying in part "We want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words and donations from fans around the country."

The family also thanked first responders and the healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have "provided exceptional care to Damar."

A statement from the family of #Bills S Damar Hamlin, via @jordonr: pic.twitter.com/VolSLMraUN

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2023

"Last night was supposed to be a great night for the NFL and a great showcase of our hometown. Instead, the human side of our sport became paramount and, in that moment, humanity and love rose to the forefront," Bengals President Mike Brown said in a statement.

"As medical personnel undertook extraordinary measures, both teams demonstrated respect and compassion while fans in the stadium and people around the country bolstered the support for Damar and love for each other," Brown said.

A statement from Bengals owner, Mike Brown. pic.twitter.com/FfUCrgSnWQ

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) January 3, 2023

Following the incident, coaches Zac Taylor and Sean McDermott met and immediately ushered their teams into their respective locker rooms. About one hour after Hamlin collapsed, the NFL announced it would postpone the game.

Higgins, who could be seen with his hands on his head, emotional as Hamlin was being worked on by medics, tweeted after the game.

"My prayers and thoughts go out to (Damar Hamlin) the Hamlin Family," Higgins tweeted. "I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love 🙏🏾💙"

Tyler Boyd, a fellow University of Pittsburgh alum, also tweeted his love to Hamlin while the teams were still in the locker room, saying in part, "stay strong got your back always."

Pittsburgh and Hamlin's former coach, also tweeted. The football team said, "Damar Hamlin is the best of us. We love you, 3. Praying for you." Coach Pat Narduzzi tweeted only praying hands.

After the postponement, Trayveon Williams tweeted his prayer for Hamlin.

"God please absolutely please lord I’m begging you be with Damar and the bills at this moment ! Being on the field seeing that I am lost for words," Williams tweeted.

Receiver Ja'Marr Chase also said, "I wanna send a prayer to Damar and his family . 🙏🏽"

Jessie Bates said he was "still speechless" hours later.

"Prayers to DHam and his family. 🙏🏽 Please God be with them! Please."

Former Bengal Andre Whitworth tweeted multiple times during the game, calling on the NFL to postpone and sending his prayers to Hamlin.

"Our @nfl brotherhood is so special! We are family! My heart is hurting! I’m sick! 🙏’s for Damar Hamlin, his fam, and all our nfl family," he said.

Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, a former Cincinnati Bearcat, also tweeted his prayer.

"Father God, I pray that Damar Hamlin is okay and here with us," he tweeted. "I also ask that he have a speedy recovery mentally & physically God; in Jesus name… Amen."

Fellow NFL players Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, JJ Watt, Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields and more tweeted their prayers.

The NFL Players Association also released a statement saying that its focus remains on the health of Damar Hamlin and it will be in touch with the NFL to make sure that Bills and Bengals players get the resources they need during this difficult time.

Our focus remains on Damar 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BUH0vcYQ4Q

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 3, 2023

Hamlin remains in critical condition at UC Medical Center, where broadcasters said his mother is with him.

WCPO will update this story with more information when it is available.