In a game full of routine tackles and standard plays, one moment stood out above all others on Thursday night. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa found himself scrambling for a first down late in the third quarter, when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin closed in for what seemed like just another tackle.
“I was just trying to make a routine tackle, trying to get them off the field on fourth down,” Hamlin shared with Tim Graham of TheAthletic.com.
But what started as a typical football play quickly turned into a heart-stopping event. As Hamlin made his move, Tagovailoa displayed a fencing posture associated with concussions – a chilling sight given the quarterback’s history of brain injuries. It was a moment that struck fear into the hearts of fans and players alike.
Hamlin, who himself has faced health scares on the field, was all too familiar with the feeling. During the 2022 season, he had gone into cardiac arrest after a tackle in a game against the Bengals. The memories of that traumatic event resurfaced as he watched Tagovailoa’s struggle.
“It’s trauma. It will always be there,” Hamlin admitted. “I’m able to not be affected by it because of the work that I’ve done. I went through trauma therapy. I have a psychologist I talk to. It’s allowed me to push my mind forward, push my process forward.”
Despite the mental and emotional toll, Hamlin persevered and earned a starting spot this season. But the incident on Thursday night served as a stark reminder of the dangers of the game.
“I did the hard stuff last year as far as putting the pads on, tackling, getting game-ready to know that I’m now perfectly fine and perfectly able to go back and play,” Hamlin reflected.
As Tagovailoa now faces his own recovery, Hamlin offered his prayers for a speedy return to health. And he won’t be alone in that sentiment, as fans and players alike rally behind the young quarterback in his time of need.
