Damar Hamlin is slammed for reaction to Bills’ win over Dolphins after Tua Tagovailoa suffered scary concussion following safety’s hit
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin drew criticism from NFL fans on Thursday night for his reaction to a 31-10 win over the Miami Dolphins, in which Tua Tagovailoa suffered another terrifying concussion.
The Miami Dolphins quarterback took a hard hit late in the third quarter from Hamlin, who himself suffered a cardiac arrest on the field in January 2023.
Tagovailoa was running along the first-down line when he encountered Hamlin in the open field and led with his head instead of sliding. The quarterback went down after the collision and hit his head on the Hard Rock turf.
It appeared that Tagovailoa immediately started the fence, but the cameras quickly cut away from the incident.
The Bills then went on to secure a Week 2 victory over their AFC East rivals, which Hamlin celebrated on social media along with his own return to the field.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was criticized by NFL fans on Thursday for celebrating his accomplishments
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion after a tackle by Hamlin
“It feels good to be back playing basketball,” the safety said in a video of himself praising the traveling Bills Mafia after the game.
However, some NFL fans online called the gesture “thoughtless” after Tagovailoa’s terrifying exit from the game.
‘Maybe it could have even ended Tuas’ playing career,’ wrote one social media user. ‘Not a bad tackle from you guys, just a shame. You guys look pretty solid in the first few weeks.’
“I’m so glad you’re recovered. But your post seems thoughtless at this point,” added another.
“I realize Tua did not slide as hard as recommended and that this had a great impact on you. I think it is best to think of Tua and his family for his health and recovery.”
Others were even more severe, however. One said, “Brother, you got a concussion,” while another responded, “You ended your career, how are you happy about it now?”
“Bro, really? At least repent,” shared a third.
Hamlin did, however, send his best wishes to the signal-giver on Twitter: “My love and prayers go out to @Tua fasho.. Sending you strength and healing for a speedy recovery. Lots of love broski.”
Some NFL fans online criticized the Bills safety for celebrating the win with the traveling fans
The scary moment in Thursday night’s Week 2 game between the Dolphins and Bills involved Tagovailoa and Hamlin, two of the most injured players in the NFL in recent years.
Hamlin collapsed on the field in Cincinnati on January 3, 2023, after tackling Bengals safety Tee Higgins.
He required immediate medical attention on the lawn, where emergency responders were able to restore his heartbeat before rushing him to a nearby hospital.
Doctors eventually determined that Hamlin had suffered convulsions, a rare condition in which a blow to the chest disrupts the heart’s rhythm.
And while some fans on social media disagreed with his post, most congratulated him on his return to the field as Buffalo’s starter this season.
Tagovailoa was able to leave the field under his own power before returning to the locker room with coaches on Thursday evening.
Tagovailoa was hit late in the third quarter by Hamlin, who himself suffered a cardiac arrest on the field in January 2023
Within six minutes of leaving the field, he was diagnosed with a concussion and broadcaster Amazon Prime was told he would not play in the second half.
Tagovailoa has now suffered three known concussions in the NFL after his 2022 season was cut short due to a head injury.
In week 3 of that year he was tackled hard and went into battle with a fencing action, but he later returned to the match.
In week 4, he suffered another concussion after a heavy blow and was carried off the field on a stretcher.
Tagovailoa was able to leave the field under his own power before returning to the locker room
Later in the season, in Week 16, he suffered another concussion, which ended his season and led to a change in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Tagovailoa hasn’t missed a single game in the 2023 season after gaining weight over the summer. However, he showed up for the most recent pre-season with a significantly slimmed-down frame.
Third-year quarterback Skylar Thompson could start for the Dolphins in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks if Tagovailoa is unable to play.
Miami also signed Tim Boyle to its practice squad, but could look to another quarterback for the long term. The team’s 2012 first-round pick, Ryan Tannehill, is currently a free agent and could be the most viable option.