The network was forced to make some quick decisions during the tragic incident.
This follows the Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffering cardiac arrest during a game.
So what happened on-screen during the event?
The dramatic and tragic scenes have prompted the latest in a long line of NFL controversies.
Read on to find out.
Now, the NFL is no stranger when it comes to injuries.
There’s a long list of NFL players who have sustained injuries as a result of the game.
And some times those injuries can cost the player not only the game…
But also, their career.
But last year, the NFL finally made a major change within the sport.
An NFL executive at the time said it was “a real opportunity to do something wholly different here,” The HuffPost reported.
The NFL reportedly replaced the old tradition of Pro Bowl …
And replaced it with weeklong skills competitions and a flag football game, the outlet reports.
The new event overtook the old tradition, which started back in 1951.
It will be renamed The Pro Bowl Games and will feature both AFC and NFC players.
The games will be held in 2023 in Las Vegas.
With the flag football game at Allegiant Stadium in February.
And after getting feedback from players, coaches, and general managers…
The league chose this new direction to showcase the NFL’s pool of talent.
It was in January 1951 that the Pro Bowl debuted in Los Angeles…
And it remained in Los Angeles for twenty-one seasons until 1972 to 1980, when the game moved to different cities, the outlet reports.
The Pro Bowl has been criticized over the years of the quality of play.
And players have been concerned about getting injured…
However, the situation could easily be resolved with a flag football game…
Which could have a significant impact.
By potentially increasing the competition in the game…
And also minimizing injuries to players.
But sadly, injuries are still plaguing the NFL.
And Damar Hamlin is the player most recently affected.
On Monday, Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered a medical incident on the field.
He sadly suffered a cardiac arrest.
The event occurred during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The BBC reports that Hamlin fell to the ground after colliding with an opponent.
Hamlin received treatment on the field for 30 minutes before being transferred to hospital.
The NFL then made the decision to suspend the game.
As the scene unfolded, support flooded in for Hamlin.
With many concerned about the young athlete.
Players gathered around Hamlin, with many visibly distressed or praying.
But some good news has emerged…
Jordon Rooney, Hamlin’s representative, shared an update on Twitter.
Where it was confirmed that Hamlin’s heartbeat was restored on the field before he was moved to hospital.
According to the outlet, Rooney wrote: “His vitals are back to normal and they have put him to sleep to put a breathing tube down his throat.
“They are currently running tests. We will provide updates as we have them.”
The league’s players’ association added: “We have been in touch with Bills and Bengals players and with the NFL.
“The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well-being.”
During the incident, ESPN had to make some quick broadcast decisions.
While Hamlin received treatment, the network decided to cut in and out of break while players surrounded him.
Lisa Salters, the sideline reporter, the told crowds Hamlin was receiving CPR.
ESPN then made the decision to cut away from fieldside cameras.
They then cut to the studio, where Suzy Kolber was hosting with Adam Schefter and Booger McFarland.
“The emotion that we’re experiencing tonight is really hard to describe,” Kolber said. “We cannot and will not speculate. What we do know is he needed CPR, and that in itself is terrifying.”
We’re wishing Hamlin a speedy recovery.
And our thoughts are with his loved ones at this horrific time.