Reality Of Hamlin’s Cardiac Arrest Brings NFL Players’ Greatest Fear To The Surface

“It could have been me.”

Those are the thoughts of nearly every player in the NFL, and it has been in the deep recesses of all their minds long before Damar Hamlin laid motionless on the turf in Cincinnati Monday night. But all of those thoughts surfaced as NFL players throughout the league watched their young brother fall to earth, get worked on by skilled professionals and then ambulanced to the hospital.

Reports each day have provided encouragement, to the point where Hamlin appeared to be “neurologically intact” Thursday morning. This is a long way from a full recovery, but that is a hope that has not been eliminated.

Prayers and contributions from all levels of society have followed, and Hamlin’s cardiac event seems to have unified Americans for a moment. While there is nothing permanent about this feeling, it is a good thing. It demonstrates the heart and caring we can feel for each other at certain moments. Those of us who have loved professional football from a distance – meaning we are not players – know full well the sacrifices each of these players make and the risks they take every time they take the field.

We cheer the great plays, athleticism and the brutal hits, so there is the feeling of collective responsibility. If we didn’t pay to enjoy their exploits, individuals who play the game would not be at risk. Perhaps that’s why the outpouring of support for this outstanding young man has been so profound.

No doubt the Vikings are impacted tremendously. Defensive lineman Harrison Phillips was with the Bills last year, and he lockered close to Hamlin. Like everyone who knows him, Phillips has spoken glowingly of his former teammate, mentioning his thoughtfulness and generosity. Phillips is quite thoughtful himself, taking it upon himself to bring in full meals for the medical staff taking care of his brother.

Dalvin Cook’s brother James is Hamlin’s teammate on the Bills, and this has clearly had a huge impact on the two men. Hamlin’s teammates have all reacted with support for their teammate on Twitter, and that’s what has surfaced. What one teammate feels, his brother is sure to feel as well.

Kirk Cousins said the team spoke about the Hamlin situation as it began team meetings this week. “It’s been the first thing addressed in each meeting we’ve had today,” Cousins said on Wednesday. “I think that was important. It’s very much on the forefront of people’s minds.”

Head coach Kevin O’Connell made sure that players knew resources were available to them. He sent them all messages Monday night and reiterated when players returned to practice. “We just want to be there for them,” O’Connell said. “Their mental health, their emotional health, is very, very important to me and our entire organization.”

In addition to the care and concern that players and coaches around the league have demonstrated for their brother, the difference in the way the business of football is conducted compared to previous generations is shocking.

In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, it was all about toughness and how it manifested itself. Two-a-day practices that were 2- and 3-hours each, often without water breaks. That’s the way it was done. Every football fan has heard the stories about Vince Lombardi and how tough he was on his players, but there was always quite a bit of humanity under the surface.

There were other coaches who never let their humanity show and were willing to push their players to the limit of human endurance.

It’s no longer that way, as the my-way-or-the-highway head coaches are all gone. The behavior of Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott and Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor are the modern standards. These coaches care for their players as if they were family – at least in dire situations.

Even Bill Belichick has shown his heart, delivering words of support for Hamlin as well as the Bills and Bengals.

“Damar has been on everyone’s mind and thoughts since Monday night,” Belichick said Thursday. “Our entire team and organization, on behalf of them, I’ve extended our thoughts and prayers to the Bills organization, coach [Sean] McDermott, their team, also [Bengals] coach [Zac] Taylor and the Bengals. … Certainly, the news from this morning that about Damar’s progress is great news and encouraging for all of us.”

The games will continue, the big hits will return and the excitement will resurface. But the risk is no longer in the dark recesses. Every player and every fan knows how much is on the line with each snap of the ball.