Archives for January 8, 2023

‘“It’s an example of seeing in public a Christian subculture that’s been embedded in the N.F.L. for four decades,” said Paul Putz, assistant director of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor University. “Since the 1970s, it’s had almost like its own church.”’

‘Who knows how many of the estimated 184 million NFL fans grew up on Madden games, including versions in the early 1990s where a player could get laid out by a tackle and — if you can imagine it — scooped up by an ambulance? The cartoonish scene is just like the one that so distressed Madden in 1978 and may have moved him to leave the sideline and the one that traumatized the country Monday night after Buffalo’s Damar Hamlin collapsed on Cincinnati’s field and had to be resuscitated before an ambulance could ferry him to a hospital.’

‘What bothers me was how the Unsocial Media idiots complained about everything from ESPN’s handling of the situation, to the show not going on, to Bengals QB Joe Burrow “callously” warming up on the sidelines when the network reported (from a mysterious source) the game would resume in five minutes, to Higgins being responsible.’

‘Knowing basic first aid and life-saving practices, such as CPR, may never be necessary, but having those skills at the ready when, heaven forbid, they are needed may well mean the difference between life and death.’

‘It’s been a hell of a year for the Bills, who’ve endured like few NFL teams have when faced with the rash of adversity they have.’

‘“When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much,” Hamlin said. “The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out.’

‘Ryan, now an ESPN analyst, was on Saturday’s edition of “NFL Countdown” when the broadcast crew were reflecting on the good news of Hamlin’s improving health.’

‘The Bills posted an update on Hamlin’s condition Saturday afternoon, saying that Hamlin remains in critical condition while continuing to breathe on his own.’

‘”Damar Hamlin’s inspiring progress over the past few days has lifted the spirits of the entire NFL and football fans across the country,” read the message, posted on the NFL’s Twitter account. “While his recovery is just beginning, we thank the NFL medical personnel and the medical staffers from both teams whose emergency action quite likely saved his life. We are also grateful to the professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who tended to Damar and continue to oversee his care.”‘

‘“When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much,” Hamlin said on Instagram. “The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. … On a long road keep praying for me!”’