In 2017, while Matt LaFleur oversaw the offensive for Sean McVay’s Rams, Zac Taylor was an assist wide receivers coach. It’s not surprising after the injury to Damar Hamlin Monday night, LaFleur reached out to Taylor by phone. Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported today that Matt LaFleur reached out to both head coaches. He texted Bills coach Sean McDermott and spoke with Zac Taylor briefly on the phone to let them know he was thinking of them.
At Matt LaFleur’s compelling, the Packers held a team meeting this morning to discuss Damar Hamlin. Rob Demovsky of ESPN reported that Packer’s head athletic trainer Bryan Engel discussed medical personnel available on game day and what the team would do in a similar situation.
“It was very, very quiet in there. I know it’s been on our guy’s minds.” Matt LaFleur said.
Damar remains in the ICU in critical condition with signs of improvement noted yesterday and overnight.
He is expected to remain under intensive care as his health care team continues to monitor and treat him.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 4, 2023
In a statement released by the Buffalo Bills, Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a tackle during the game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field, and he was transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment. Damar Hamlin remains in the intensive care unit in critical condition. The team stated Damar had shown signs of improvement noted yesterday and overnight.
Damar Hamlin was diagnosed with cardiac arrest provoked by commotio cordis. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, “Commotio cordis is blunt, nonpenetrating trauma to the chest resulting in irregular heart rhythm and often leading to sudden death. Although once viewed as being exceedingly rare, the number of reported cases is rising.” Astonishingly, Commotio Cordis is the second-highest cause of cardiac death among U.S. athletes.
Rodger’s influence over Matt LaFleur
Rodgers gave a sympathetic statement during Pat McAfee Show yesterday, suggesting an open forum for players to share their emotions. Matt Lafleur has listened and tried to replicate what Aaron Rodgers suggested.
The Packers and Matt LaFleur are home at Lambeau Field Sunday, as they face off against the Detroit Lions with playoffs aspirations on the line. Damar Hamlin’s health will still be on millions’ minds, including the men facing off against one another Sunday. It’s been an important reminder that Football is just a game, and the men who entertain us are only men. They have families, children, mothers, uncles, and passions outside the football game. Win or lose, 2023 will be a different year for Football and the NFL.
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