Hamlin still in critical condition after on-field cardiac arrest

The Buffalo Bills said safety Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Monday night NFL game, while the player's family thanked supporters during this "challenging time".

The Super Bowl-contending Bills said in a statement that Hamlin, 24, spent the night in the intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he remains.

"We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received so far," the Bills said.

Athletes from the world of sports rallied to express support for Hamlin while all 32 National Football League teams changed their Twitter profile pictures to read "Pray for Damar" in white letters along with his jersey No. 3.

Members of Buffalo's National Hockey League team, the Sabres, arrived for their game on Tuesday against the Washington Capitals swapping traditional shirt-and-tie game day attire for "Love For 3" t-shirts.

Famed Niagara Falls - both the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls - will be illuminated later on Tuesday as a show of support for Hamlin, the Bills and the nearby city of Buffalo.

Hamlin's family said they would provide updates on his condition when they become available.

"On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time," Hamlin's family wrote in a statement. "We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country."

During the first quarter of Monday's game against the host Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin got to his feet after making a tackle and then collapsed.

"In that moment you're thinking, 'What can I do? What can we do? And immediately it just breaks you down into prayer," Hamlin's teammate, offensive lineman Dion Dawkins, told CNN on Tuesday. "Damar is a fighter and he's fighting and he's going to keep fighting.

"We know our teammate - he is one of the strongest guys. He's going to keep fighting, and he's going to make it."

After having his heartbeat restored on the field as stunned players from both teams cried, prayed and hugged, an ambulance took Hamlin to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. His mother was at the game and accompanied Hamlin to the hospital.

The family also acknowledged the first responders and healthcare professionals at the hospital who aided Hamlin, as well as the Bengals and Bills organizations.

"Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us," Hamlin's family wrote. "Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them."

Selected by Buffalo in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Hamlin signed a four-year, $3.6 million contract that included a $160,476 signing bonus and average annual salary of $910,119.

Hamlin spent his rookie season limited to playing special teams roles but was thrust into Buffalo's starting lineup last September after an injury to a teammate. His 91 tackles in 15 games this season are tied for second-most on the team.