The Buffalo Bills are going through a dark time circling around tragedies. Buffalo’s safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after suffering a cardiac arrest on January 2, 2022. The Bills and Cincinnati Bengals got suspended and later indefinitely cancelled. However, one more tragic episode that went rather unnoticed transpired during that weekend.
Buffalo Bills radio broadcaster John Murphy also suffered a stroke hours before Damar’s incident. Furthermore, Murphy was feeling under the weather before the game last week and didn’t travel to Cincinnati for the game this weekend.
John Murphy wasn’t feeling well for hours before the Bills-Bengals game
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John Murphy is one of the most iconic names in broadcasting. The legendary voice of the Buffalo Bills Radio network is also the host of the ‘One Bills Live’ show, formerly known as the ‘John Murphy Show’. Murphy took over the play-by-play announcement responsibilities after the retirement of Van Miller in 2003. Clearly, the 67-year-old has the prayers of the entire NFL world to get back into the announcer’s box.
“He is recovering at home with his family and making progress every day. John and the Murphy family are grateful for the excellent care by the staff and doctors at Buffalo General Medical Center. We appreciate everyone’s support,” Buffalo Bills tweeted from their official account.
Please keep Murph in your thoughts, as well, this week. Can’t wait to get our friend and colleague back on the air calling games ASAP! Get well, @murph_bills! We love you! ❤️💙 https://t.co/YUFPeDN1er
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) January 6, 2023
Jeez! It’s been such a rough year for the Bills family. Get well soon Murph, all of Buffalo is pulling for you.
— Nigel Kosnow (@NKosnow) January 6, 2023
Just unbelievable what this organization has been through this year. Go Bills!
— Justin McCabe (@jsmccabe247) January 7, 2023
Prayers for the Murphy family.
— Deborah Lewis (@DebbieLew57) January 6, 2023
Murph 😔😔 Get well soon sir!!! Praying for you and your family.
This team can’t catch a break.
— Jefe (@JSpenceTheKing) January 6, 2023
Mass shooting at Tops, back-to-back trips to DET due to snow storm, Von Miller torn ACL on Thanksgiving, another (deadly) snow storm, team stuck in Chicago on Christmas, Damar… What am I missing?
— z-Damar Hamlin #3 🦬🐺🗽☘️⚔️ (@CJLoper) January 6, 2023
Rooting for you guys to win it. It’s your year.
— Rams Brothers (@RamsBrothers) January 6, 2023
And Damar’s good news is already healing the NFL world. However, the sporting community is anxious to hear the much-awaited news of John Murphy’s recovery.
Damar Hamlin is up and about and even left a message for his teammates
The first 24 hours had the entire sports world with their hands crossed in prayers for 24-year-old Hamlin. Damar collided with Bengals WR Tee Higgins and received 8 minutes of CPR on-field. Also, the University of Cincinnati Medical Center did its finest work. Damar’s initial condition was a thing of worry. However, Hamlin successfully left breathing tubes behind as he was taken off ventilator support.
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Also, after gaining consciousness, Damar’s first question in the form of written communication was regarding the result of the game. And the doctors had the most heartwarming response for Damar. “You won the game of life,” the doctors replied. Damar is interacting with his family and even left a FaceTime message for the Bills locker room. In the video call, Damar said, “Love you boys” to everybody’s relief.
The best soundbite to come out in a very long time: "Yes, Damar, you won. You won the game of life." pic.twitter.com/pkFeMR2aGI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2023
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Moreover, ‘The buffalobills.com’ writer and ‘One Bills Live’ show co-host Chris Brown stepped in. And took over the play announcing responsibilities after John Murphy got admitted to the Buffalo General Medical Center. The Buffalo community prays for Murphy’s quickest return.