In the midst of the uproar over Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin’s terrifying fatal injury, the NFL witnessed a kind act by Cincinnati Bengals’ 26-year-old quarterback Joe Burrow.
The game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills was temporarily suspended due to the horrific injury to the visiting team’s 24-year-old defender, Damar Hamilton. It was later postponed. During that uncertain period, the hosts’ QB Joe Burrow showed a class act that was praised by everyone.
What did Joe Burrow do?
During the suspension, Joe gathered his captains, Ted Karras and Joe Mixon, to suggest that Damar’s teammates be checked on in their locker room. Later, he led them to the locker room and shared his compassion and affinity.
Was told that after the teams were brought back in to wait inside, QB Joe Burrow gathered the Bengals captains and they walked over as a group to the Bills' locker room to check on the Buffalo players.
In these sorts of situations, NFL players take care of each other.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 3, 2023
Bengals long snapper Cal Adomitis, who played with Damar Hamlin at Central Catholic and Pitt, said that when Cincy was updated on Hamlin's status, Joe Burrow was the first one to speak up and ask if the team could visit the Bills locker room to express their support/ concern.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) January 3, 2023
How was the fans’ reaction toward Joe Burrow?
The generosity was heavily praised by the fans and reporters. The Bills players also felt the warmth and appreciated the act.
I think if you’ll look back, everytime someone gets hurt bad enough to be carted off the teams always unite. They know what’s up. The players are generally trying to play a game but they aren’t unaware of the risks to everyone on that field.
— Joel App (@AppyJoel) January 3, 2023
From the organization to Zac Taylor , Joe Burrow , even the fans have all been a class act tonight. Idk if I've ever been more proud to be a Bengals fan than what I've seen tonight from everyone.
It's more than just a game .#prayforhamlin
— JoeyBForMVP (@Burrow_SZN) January 3, 2023
No matter what team you play on , you are a member of the NFL fraternity. They will always have each other's backs no matter what.
— BW 🤨impersonating noone but myself🤨 (@barbwalker709) January 3, 2023
Compassion over competition is the Way of True Humanity. Our country is hoping for Hamlin to have a complete recovery and once again to live his dreams.
— Geraldine Moran (@Geraldi42046740) January 3, 2023
That is a prime example of true sportsmanship!! When u have concern from an opponent team-mate of Hamlin's condition. The willings to gather & put their business or game domination aside & come together & pray 4 the wellness of Hamlin for a speedy recovery!!
— Eddie De Luna (@Voks_1981) January 3, 2023
Joe is just a great person, and a top-level leader. This is not about money but players showing their humanity and connection to each other in the dangerous profession they all share.
— Tammy Dyson (@TammyDyson16) January 3, 2023
Another reason to like joe burrow
— H.E. Pennypacker (@fakejuanhondo) January 3, 2023
@JoeyB is the absolute best. And it has nothing to do with being the quarterback of my favorite football team in the NFL.
— @PaulBoggsSports (@paulboggssports) January 3, 2023
QB Joe Burrow is young man that has class.
— Vada Mitchell (@Lady_LeeVada) January 3, 2023
Cal Adomitis, a former teammate of Hamlin, wasn’t surprised by the Heisman Trophy winner’s sportsmanship. He said, “Even though he was a dude who had 8 billion offers coming out of high school and I was just fighting to get on the field, he always treated me with respect… No matter what your role on the team was, he treated you with the same dignity.”
More from Adomitis on Damar Hamlin: "Even though he was a dude who had 8 billion offers coming out of high school and I was just fighting to get on the field, he always treated me with respect… No matter what your role on the team was, he treated you with the same dignity."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) January 3, 2023
Later, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor also visited Damar Hamlin in the hospital.
Joe Burrow was included in the 2020 NFL draft and picked first overall by the Bengals. Previously, he played for Ohio State and LSU Tigers at the college level.
