Tee Higgins, the man who Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin tackled moments before collapsing with a cardiac arrest on the field and being rushed to hospital in a critical condition, led the outpouring of good wishes for the 24-year-old late Monday night.

“Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment,” the Bills said in a statement. “He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”

Hamlin tackled Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter and got up briefly before falling back to the ground and laying motionless. An ambulance drove onto the field after four minutes to treat the 24-year-old. He needed CPR and treatment from a defibrillator.

He was then rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and Hamlin's friend and marketing rep Jordon Rooney said on Twitter: '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 Bills later tweeted: 'Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.'

Higgins led the good wishes sent to Hamlin on Twitter, writing: 'My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIslandthe Hamlin Family. I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love.'

Hamlin was surrounded by players from both sides and treated for 16 minutes before being immobilized and taken off the field. Players on both teams were visibly stunned by what had happened and many were in tears on the field. The game was postponed by the NFL.

Teammate Stefon Diggs later joined Hamlin at the hospital. About 100 Bills fans and a few Bengals fans gathered on a corner one block from the emergency room entrance with some of them holding candles.

While medical personnel was gathered around Hamlin, his playing uniform was cut off.

Hamlin's agent Ira Turner told NFL Network: 'Please continue to pray for Damar and his family. We currently have no update at this time. Will ask that you keep the family in your prayers.'

Higgins, the man Hamlin was tackling, tweeted: 'My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIsland (and) the Hamlin Family. I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love.'

A statement released by the league read: 'Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by the team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.

'Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available. The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing t