Mike McCarthy describes 'heavy' day as Cowboys grapple with Damar Hamlin collapse: 'Nobody is fine'
The Dallas Cowboys have a highly consequential matchup on Sunday afternoon versus the Washington Commanders, but after Monday night’s shocking incident that saw Bills safety Damar Hamlin hospitalized, the team’s focus is elsewhere. Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy shared that the team met with the chaplain on Wednesday and the focus now is on “one another.”
“I thought his spiritual guidance is what we needed,” McCarthy said of the team’s meeting with chaplain Jonathan Evans. “I’m not really thinking about Sunday right now… Our spirituality playbook was open today.”
“Heavy, sensitive day here. I think we all have a tendency to say we’re good. Let’s be honest, nobody is fine,” McCarthy continued. “The biggest message is let’s keep an eye on one another. We’re family and football, in that order, and this is the time to stick together and remember those priorities.”
Although the Cowboys coach said he doesn’t know Hamlin personally, there are players on the team with connections to the former Pitt star. Linebacker Jabril Cox worked out with Hamlin, while running back Qadree Ollison played with him for the Panthers for three seasons.
In 2020, Dallas experienced a tragedy of their own as strength coach Markus Paul suffered a medical emergency and passed the next day.
Despite the team, and all of the NFL, still reeling from the gruesome in-game medical emergency on Monday, McCarthy assured that on Sunday, they’ll be all-in.
“We’re going to do everything we can to win this game,” McCarthy said.
The Cowboys have the first full practice of the week on Wednesday. Running back Tony Pollard and center Matt Farniok, fresh off of IR, are due to return to the field.
Damar Hamlin collapse results in postponement on Monday night
A family representative of Damar Hamlin gave a positive update on his health on Wednesday, saying that he is progressing in a positive direction. The safety showed vital signs that doctors were looking for on Tuesday night.
Jordon Rooney, a representative for the family, spoke to the Associated Press by phone.
“They are elated right now,” Rooney said. “Damar is still their first concern. But for them, they always look at how they can turn a somewhat troubling situation into a good one. The bounce back from this, for him and his family is going to be incredible.”
During Buffalo’s Monday Night Football Game against Cincinnati Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after making a tackle. In one of the scariest moments in NFL history, Hamlin required an AED and CPR on the field before medical personnel rushed him to the hospital. Since then, he’s been in the hospital in critical condition.
The game was suspended and won’t be played this week.
On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this report.