Damar Hamlin

[Bengalzona]

A similar situation happened in an NFL game 52 years ago. The outcome was far different. On October 24, 1971, Chuck Hughes, a 2nd year wide receiver for the Detroit Lions suddenly dropped on the field following a play, in much the same way Damar Hamlin fell last night. Chuck died there on the field. The cause of death was a coronary thrombosis which caused a myocardial infarction. A heart attack, like Damar.

But the difference in speed of the recognition and assistance for the condition have changed from night to day since 1971. In 1971, Chuck lay on the Bears side of the field face down for what seemed like an eternity before a concerned Dick Butkus and official began frantically flagging to the sidelines for aid. Last night, the aid was swift and on the nose.

Football is a brutal game and has a reputation for some awful injuries. But it should be noted that in the 100+ years history of the National Football League, Chuck has been the only player in the league who has ever died on the field.

BTW - After Chuck was carted off the field in an ambulance (according to accounts he was dead at the time, but they were trying to resuscitate), the game officials decided to re-start the game clock. There was approximately one minute left in the game. But the coaches and players on both teams refused to line up or run any plays. Instead, they just let the game clock expire and the score stand.