Stephen A. Smith and Troy Aikman give honest reactions to Damar Hamlin’s collapse - “I was scared to death”, "No one's experienced anything like this”

The world was shaken when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed to the ground during the Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The second-year player out of Pitt tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins and fell after taking a hit to his chest.

It was a very scary sight and everyone was worried about Hamlin's health. Hamlin needed CPR on the field, which was an unprecedented sight in NFL history.

Analysts who were covering the game were scared as well. Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman was also asked about his views on the entire situation. Here's what Aikman said about Damar Hamlin's health scare:

"No one's experienced anything like this… and it really is unprecedented as we know. So you're right, the gravity of the situation became very clear very, very soon. I saw the same things that you were seeing back in studio as far as them administering CPR feverishly."

He continued:

"It's, as I said, I mean, I think I think people at home can understand it. That the amount of time that you spend with your teammates, as Ryan Clark said during the season, it is more than you then you spend with your family."

Aikman added:

"So it's real, the relationships are real that go on long after you're done playing the game, I can speak to that. But you know, to watch what we did tonight, was hard on everybody. And prayers, of course, are with Damar and his family."

Damar Hamlin is just into his second year in the NFL, and after having earned his place in the starting lineup for the Bills, it was really a very gut-wrenching incident. Hamlin's family was also present at the stadium in Cincinnati for this big game.

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Stephen A Smith's reaction to Damar Hamlin's condition

Buffalo Bills v Cincinnati Bengals

Not only Troy Aikman, but Stephen A. Smith was also sent into a state of shock by what he saw on the field. Here's what he said about the collapse of Damar Hamlin:

"I was scared to death, to see him get up, and then fall back down. Right? It was scary... We've seen concussions, we've seen people sit still scared that they may have been paralyzed because they've gotten hit, and what have you. I don't recall ever seeing anything like this."

He added:

"To see him, make a tackle to get up, and then literally collapse that his legs start shaking and what have you, it was just, you're not trying to be too vivid. You're just trying to make sure you accurately depict in real time what you witnessed."

Smith continued:

"And, you know, it was it was scary. It was incredibly sad to see the players crying and Stefon Diggs of the world and others, Josh Allen having to be consoled by Joe Burrow, and others."

Bills vs. Bengals called off in response to Damar Hamlin's health concerns

The game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills was called off shortly after, and there was no word on when it would restart.

Everyone's attention is still focused on Damar Hamlin's health, which is in critical condition. His health is more important than football, and this could be seen on the faces of the players and everyone in attendance.

The Bills acknowledged that Hamlin had suffered a cardiac arrest. Thus far, neither the hospital nor the league has provided any further information about him. He will be receiving treatment and will be further evaluated at the UC Medical Center.