Fragile

I rarely watched Monday Night Football until moving to Arizona. The novelty of watching a whole game and going to bed by ten caused me to enjoy those games. Last night I turned the game on with the Bengals leading 7-0.

Responsibility and an early start time sent me to bed. As I woke up expecting to see highlights the news was grim. I was not aware of Damar Hamlin. You might know the names of every player on every team. I know many Bills fans and they have one of the best fan bases.

I was about to say it's the only sport in Buffalo. That sounds like a knock on The Buffalo Sabres who could make the playoffs if they keep winning. Anything is possible. They arrived in Washington wearing "Love for 3" shirts in support of Damar Hamlin.

Football is a dangerous game. Don't led the pads fool you. Many have died young from CTE. Certain players have died from heat exhaustion in training camp. This was a cardiac episode so it is different than broken bones or a torn ACL.

This happened on national television in a game showcasing two of the top three teams in the AFC. They should declare it a tie. Home field advantage is not a priority when life is on the line.

Mr, Hamlin remains in critical condition. There is nothing to report, not yet. It is interesting how many have suggested praying for him. Little aggravates me more than politicians who take millions from the NRA talking about "Thoughts and prayers" after a mass shooting as if that will stop the next massacre.

These prayers are real. I don't pray. It is another casualty of the divorce. Damar Hamlin appeared at a toy drive last month. They have received many donations in the past twenty-four hours.

Hank Gathers died in a basketball game. He had a heart attack in a tournament game. It was not nationally televised. Sometimes the first warning sign of a heart attack is the heart attack. Darryl Kile pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals and died of a heart attack before a game. He was thirty-three.

Heart disease, like cancer, knows no age. Anything can happen to anyone at any time. At this point it does not matter if Damar Hamlin plays again. It is more important that he lives to see another day.

Many die in their place of employment. A colleague collapsed and punctured his lung. He was a longtime employee and one of the people who quietly keeps the company moving. He would return, thankfully, and it was a relief seeing him a few months later. Not everyone is as fortunate.

At this point the doctors are doing what they can. The Bills play the Patriots next Sunday. If New England wins they will make the playoffs. The postseason takes a back seat to something sudden and shocking.

Some of my young leaders on this site are amazed that someone in their early twenties can have good ideas. A twenty-four year old can definitely have an impact. You don't have to be a star. Be a part of the team. Damar Hamlin was probably the type of player who would appear at autograph signings at a car show. It would be great to meet him and I hope to have the chance at some point. We are all rooting for you.