O'Donnell: Damar Hamlin's collapse recalls only NFL player to die on field, in 1971 Bears game
The Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin is examined after he collapsed in the first quarter of Monday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. The game was eventually postponed. Associated Press
Jim O'Donnell
Updated1/3/2023 12:12 AM
THE CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT involving Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin on "Monday Night Football" brought terrible memories back to more seasoned Bears fans.
On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 24, 1971, at Detroit's Tiger Stadium, Lions wide receiver Chuck Hughes became the only NFL player to die on the field during a game.
Hughes, 28, suffered a fatal cardiac event late in the fourth quarter of a game vs. the Bears. He had just run a medium pass route as Detroit QB Greg Landry attempted to rally the Lions from a 28-23 deficit.
Less than a minute remained in the game when Hughes collapsed at the 16-yard line of Chicago. Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus immediately, frantically signaled for help.
The Lions medical staff raced onto the field. Hughes was inanimate. On Detroit's WJR-AM, play-by-play man Van Patrick speculated, "It appears to be some kind of neck injury."
As a doctor began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest pumping in full view of 54,000 fans, Patrick said, "This looks quite serious."
EVENTUALLY, A STRETCHER WAS brought onto the field. As Hughes was taken off, he was unconscious and viewers watching the CBS regional telecast saw his left arm limply flop.
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