Bills-Bengals Game Highlights Shared Value of Support

I don't normally watch football, but I was uncharacteristically keeping a closer eye on Monday Night Football's matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills, particularly since my husband's fantasy football victory came down to this final game.

But when my phone's breaking news alerts suddenly lit up with word that a player had been seriously injured in the first quarter and the game suddenly postponed, it caught my attention. I'd heard of games being delayed due to injuries or even postponed due to weather, but until Monday, I had never seen play suspended for more than an hour, as it was, and ultimately postponed due to injury. I knew by the response that this was a serious event, and something quite different.

As I pondered the situation, it also struck me that there had been a dramatic shift in values. One moment, the shared value among both teams was one of competitiveness, both teams battling for playoff positioning. But when Hamlin collapsed, both sides, regardless of team affiliation, began showing their unequivocal support for Damar Hamlin, the Bill's 24-year-old safety who we later learned had gone into cardiac arrest. Not only did fans from both teams unite in prayer outside Hamlin's hospital, but follow-up reports indicate it was actually Bengals coach Zac Taylor credited for sending players off the field. Hamlin's family even thanked Taylor in a statement Tuesday, adding to supporters, "On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country."

For discussion: Do you value Support? Was the value of Support most important in this moment? Why or why not? When is it important to show Support and when would other values be more important?