The same can be said for the NFL, Dummer Hamlin has made remarkable progress after collapse on the field

“won?”

Buffalo Bills safety Dumar Hamlin said he wasn’t feeling well when he finally regained consciousness two days after suffering cardiac arrest after collapsing during a nationally televised Monday night football game in Cincinnati. You must have known.

But his first question to the medical staff that kept Hamlin’s heart beating was about the outcome of the game.

With the breathing tube still in his mouth, he scribbled questions on a piece of paper.

“won?”

The short answer is: Yes, they all won because Hamlin, 24, is still alive.

And there are many winners around.

Let’s start with the medical professional for whom quick response on the playing field was the ultimate game changer.

And what about players from both teams who formed human cocoons to protect Hamlin, trainers and first responders from the prying eyes of the crowd and TV viewers?

Fans also scored big. This was especially true for fans of both teams who left his stadium and went straight to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center to stay up all night for Hamlin.

The broadcaster also scored some points for avoiding speculation, developing sensitivity, and resisting the temptation to continue showing Hamlin’s downfall.

But there were also losers, including one who tried to blame Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins.

Higgins, like other players, was traumatized by the incident.

“Obviously it’s been hard just because I have something to do with it,” Higgins said Thursday. But everything is fine. He’s fine, so I’m in a good place now.”

But the biggest loser has to be the NFL. According to early reports, the NFL was still strategizing on how to complete the game, even though Hamlin was receiving his CPR near his 50-yard line.

The league ultimately decided to suspend the game, but not before the PR damage was done.

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If the NFL is interested in saving face after a fumble, the league must start by reducing the danger to its players.

One way is to play fewer games, including during preseason. They will probably complain about lost revenue, but you can find other ways to make up for it.

It’s the cost of doing business.

Teams should also consider having players wear protective guardian caps (soft-shell padded covers) on the outside of regular NFL helmets.

Currently, the team wears additional gear only during practice, not during games.

According to the NFL, the Guardian Cap reduces the impact of a collision by at least 10% when one player is wearing protective gear and by at least 20% when both players are wearing it.

By Thursday, Hamlin was breathing on his own, talking to family, doctors and teammates, and making remarkable progress given his condition on the field.

Hamlin said to his teammates during a FaceTime session.

We both felt the same way.

Thankfully, there has been little debate about when or if the security of the bill will fit again.

But before Hamlin or anyone else takes the pitch again, the NFL should consider renaming the position Hamlin plays.

Nothing is safe about it.

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