It's easy for fans to get caught up in the excitement of the game and cheer on their favorite NFL players as they make incredible plays on the field. However, it's important to remember that these players are human beings with their own thoughts, feelings, and lives outside of football. They are not just jersey numbers or faceless figures on a screen.

One reason it's crucial to remember this is the risk of injury that NFL players face every time they step on the field. The physical demands of the sport are incredibly high, and even with the best training and protective gear, players can suffer serious injuries that can have long-lasting effects on their health and well-being. In fact, a recent incident involving Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals serves as a stark reminder of this reality.

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During a game on January 2, 2023, Hamlin collapsed on the field and had to be taken to the hospital. The game was temporarily suspended as players and staff rushed to his aid. While the exact cause of Hamlin's collapse is not yet known, the incident serves as a reminder of the very real risks that NFL players face every time they step on the field.

It's easy to forget about these risks when we're cheering on our favorite teams and players from the comfort of our living rooms. But the reality is that these players are putting their bodies and their health on the line every time they play. They deserve our respect and appreciation for the hard work and dedication they put into their craft.

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But it's not just the risk of injury that should remind us that NFL players are people and not just jersey numbers. These players have families, friends, and lives outside of football. They have hopes, dreams, and aspirations that go beyond the sport. They are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters who deserve to be treated with the same respect and dignity that we would want for ourselves and our loved ones.

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and intensity of the game, but it's important to remember that these players are more than just athletes. They are human beings with their own thoughts, feelings, and stories. They deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion, just like any other person.

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It's essential to remember that NFL players are people, not just jersey numbers. They deserve our respect and appreciation for the hard work and dedication they put into their craft, as well as the risks they take every time they step on the field. They also have families, friends, and lives outside of football and deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion. As fans, it's important to remember that these players are more than just athletes and to show them the respect and dignity that they deserve.

Watching Damar Hamlin fall on the field was one of the most frightening, uncomfortable moments during an NFL game for many fans, myself included. The NFL has canceled the remainder of the game and updates on Hamlin's condition, as of this article, are limited.

50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

100 sports records and the stories behind them

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