Summary

The article contrasts the recent medical emergency of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin with the tragic on-field death of Detroit Lions player Charles Frederick Hughes in 1971, highlighting advancements in NFL medical care and the collective concern for players' well-being.

Abstract

The NFL community's recent collective concern for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's health following a cardiac arrest during a game is juxtaposed with a similar incident from 1971 involving Detroit Lions wide receiver Charles Frederick Hughes, who died on the field. Hamlin's condition has shown significant improvement, a testament to the advancements in medical care and protocols in the NFL since Hughes' time. The article underscores the stark difference in medical responses and outcomes between the two incidents, reflecting on the progress made in player safety and emergency medical intervention over the past five decades. It also acknowledges the emotional impact of such incidents on players, staff, and fans, and the enduring memory of Hughes, whose death led to changes in player health management.

Opinions

The author implies that the immediate and effective medical response to Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest likely contributed to his improved condition, suggesting a positive evolution in NFL emergency protocols.
There is an underlying sentiment that the NFL and its fans have a deep concern for the health and safety of players, as evidenced by the reactions to Hamlin's incident and the remembrance of Hughes' tragedy.
The article seems to pay homage to the legacy of Charles Frederick Hughes, emphasizing the impact of his death on the NFL and the importance of remembering such events to appreciate current safety measures.
The author may be advocating for continued advancements in medical care and emergency response in sports to prevent similar tragedies and ensure the well-being of athletes.
By highlighting the completion of the game after Hughes' collapse, the author suggests a historical shift in the prioritization of human life over the continuation of sports events in the face of severe medical emergencies.

The NFL’s Worst Tragedy Not Forgotten.

As updates are released on the health of Buffalo Bills star Safety Damar Hamlin, the National Football League, friends, family, and millions of Americans breath a collective sigh of relief as his condition continues to improve. Hamlin was a collegiate star at the University of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, where he helped lead his team to the PIAA championship and was a Class AAAA Defensive Player of the Year.

After a tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins during a game on Monday Night, Hamlin got up and almost immediately collapsed on the field. Buffalo Bills’ players and coaching staff surrounded Hamlin as he was administered CPR and loaded into an ambulance. Hamlin was then rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Nothing like this had ever happened in the NFL previously? Or did it?

Enter Charles Frederick Hughes. Born in Philadelphia during the second World War, Hughes played college football at Texas Western College (now the University of El Paso.) He was drafted as a wide receiver by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967 and was traded to the Detroit Lions in 1970.

Hughes suffered an injury in a 1971 pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills (Hamlin’s current team) and collapsed in the locker room. He was then released from the hospital with a suspected spleen issue.

The Chicago Bears traveled to the Detroit Lions on October 24, 1971. During a Lions 4th quarter rally down 28–23, Hughes entered the game and caught a 32-yard pass down the sideline from Greg Landry into Bears territory. On the same offensive drive with less than two minutes remaining in the game, Landry threw an incomplete pass to tight end Charlie Sanders. Hughes turned and began running back to the huddle and dropped to the ground and grabbed at his chest.

Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus immediately realized that something was wrong and motioned for assistance from the sideline. Medical staff members from both the Bears and the Lions rushed to try to save the 28-year old. Spectators looked on in horror as Hughes as he was loaded onto the stretcher and into an ambulance. Those in the stadium remember seeing the horrific image of Hughes’ lifeless arm falling out of the stretcher. After the ambulance left the field, the last 1:02 minutes of the game was completed at Tiger Stadium.

The game was not stopped.

Charles Hughes was pronounced dead at Henry Ford Hospital at 5:34 P.M. His teammates were informed in the locker room after the game of his passing. The entire team attended his funeral in Texas, and the Detroit Lions retired his number 85 jersey.

Almost no parallels exist between the two incidents almost 52 years later. Medical care on NFL sidelines has progressed significantly as well as the seriousness on how these injuries are handled. The incredible medical support that Hamlin received came almost immediately. It looks to have made all of the difference.

Once the sedation wore off, Hamlin (still intubated on a ventilator) was able to write a note to his doctors asking “Did we win?”

It looks like you have, Mr. Hamlin.

May you be blessed with good health and a quick recovery, Damar.

Sources/References

Hughes, Charles. Wikapedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Hughes

Hamlin, Damar. Wikapedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damar_Hamlin

Dymski, Greg. “Hamlin’s cardiac arrest stirs memories of Chuck Hughes, only NFL player to die on the field.”

Mather, Victor. “What to Know About Damar Hamlin’s Injury.”

Burga, Solcyre. “The NFL Canceled the Game for Damar Hamlin. It Didn’t After Chuck Hughes Died on the Field in 1971”

Dedicated in loving memory of my father and author, Thomas J. Leibrandt.

Michael Thomas Leibrandt lives and works in Abington, Pennsylvania.