The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Damar Hamlin is fighting for his life, and sports don't feel the same

By Candace Buckner

04 Jan 2023 · 4 min read

Editor's Note

In this heartfelt piece by Candace Buckner, the Washington Post columnist describes the impact that the mid-game collapse of NFL player Damar Hamlin is having on sport. It's okay to cry, she writes.

Waiting is the hardest part. Just sitting and waiting for any update on Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, as he lies in critical condition inside a Cincinnati hospital.

Many of us were watching that football game Monday night - but man, now we wish we weren't - when Hamlin collapsed to the ground. All day Tuesday, we just wanted to learn that this second-year player we'd probably never heard of before was going to be okay. And so outside those hospital walls, reporters gathered and waited for news and supporters in drizzly Buffalo prayed and waited for a miracle. Plenty of others across the internet clicked his charity's fundraiser and donated to a toy drive in his community they hope he'll lead one day.

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