Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin came under fire from NFL fans Thursday night for his reaction to the 31-10 win over the Miami Dolphins, where Tua Tagovailoa suffered another scary concussion.
The Miami Dolphins quarterback took a hard hit late in the third quarter from Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest on the field in January 2023.
Tagovailoa was running beyond the first-down line when he encountered Hamlin in the open field and headed forward instead of sliding. The quarterback fell after the collision and hit his head on the Hard Rock turf.
Tagovailoa appeared to go straight to the fencing response, before the cameras quickly zoomed out of the incident.
The Bills managed to seal the Week 2 victory over their AFC East rivals, which Hamlin celebrated along with his own return to the field on social media.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin came under fire from NFL fans on Thursday for celebrating
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion after a tackle by Hamlin.
“Feels good to be playing again,” the safety posted in response to a video of him cheering on the traveling Bills Mafia after the game.
However, some NFL fans online felt the gesture was “inconsiderate” after Tagovailoa’s scary exit from the game.
“It could have ended Tuas’ playing career,” wrote one social media user. “It wasn’t a bad tackle, but it was unfortunate. They looked pretty solid in the first few weeks.”
“I’m so glad you’re back on your feet. Your post seems inconsiderate at this point though,” another added.
‘I realize that Tua did not slide as advised and it caused a significant impact on you. In my opinion, it is more appropriate to offer thoughts to Tua and his family for his health and recovery.’
However, others were harsher, with one saying: “Bro, you suffered a concussion,” while another chimed in, “You finished your career, how are you happy?”
“Bro, really? At least repent,” shared a third.
However, Hamlin sent well wishes to the signaller, tweeting: ‘My love and prayers with @Tua fasho. Sending you strength and healing for a speedy recovery. Much love broski.’
Some NFL fans online criticized the Bills safety for celebrating the win with traveling fans.
The scary moment from 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 after tackling Bengals safety Tee Higgins on Jan. 3, 2023.
He required immediate treatment on the grass, where paramedics were able to restore his heart rhythm before rushing him to a nearby hospital.
Doctors eventually determined that Hamlin was a victim of commotio cordis, a rare condition in which the heart rhythm is disrupted by a blow to the chest.
And while some fans on social media questioned his post, most congratulated him on his return to the field as Buffalo’s starter this season.
Tagovailoa was able to leave the field on his own before returning to the locker room with trainers on Thursday night.
Tagovailoa took a hit late in the third quarter from Hamlin, who suffered 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 return to the game in the second half.
Tagovailoa has already suffered three known concussions in the NFL after his 2022 season was cut short by head injuries.
In Week 3 of that year, he was hit by a nasty tackle and had to fight back, but he later returned to the game.
In Week 4, he again exhibited concussion symptoms after another brutal hit and was taken off the field on a stretcher.
Tagovailoa was able to walk off the field on his own before returning to the locker room.
Later in the season, in Week 16, he suffered another concussion, which ended his season and prompted a change in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Tagovailoa did not miss a game in the 2023 season after bulking up over the summer, but he showed up for the most recent preseason with a significantly slimmer 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 has Tim Boyle signed to its practice squad, but could look to sign another quarterback long-term. The team’s 2012 first-round pick, Ryan Tannehill, is currently a free agent and could be the most viable option.