Buffalo Bills broadcaster John Murphy suffered a stroke over the weekend – before Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest survival on Monday Night Football – but is ‘making progress every day’
Before Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a heartbreaking cardiac arrest Monday vs. the Bengals, the team dealt with another medical emergency over the weekend.
Buffalo announced Friday afternoon that play-by-play man John Murphy suffered a stroke last weekend, which explains why he was absent from Monday’s broadcast on local radio station WGR.
A Bills spokesman told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle before the game that Murphy was feeling ‘under the weather,’ though the severity of his condition has now been revealed.
John Murphy did not call Monday’s Bills-Bengals game after suffering a stroke
“John Murphy suffered a stroke last weekend,” the Bills tweeted in a statement.
‘He is recovering at home with his family and improving every day. John and the Murphy family are grateful for the excellent care of the staff and doctors at Buffalo General Medical Center. We appreciate everyone’s support.’
‘In the interim, Chris Brown will continue to perform play-by-play duties on the Bills Radio Network.
The Bills offered a statement Friday to share a news update on John Murphy’s medical condition
‘We look forward to having John back in the booth as soon as possible. Get well soon, John!’
Murphy is 67 years old.
The unfortunate incident happened shortly before Hamlin had to be resuscitated on the field at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
Hamlin tackled receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter and got up briefly before collapsing to the turf and receiving immediate medical attention.
Damar Hamlin’s breathing tube was removed overnight in a huge sign of progress
He was eventually taken off the field in an ambulance and taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, with the team saying he was in critical condition that night.
The Bills were able to offer a more positive update Friday, as his breathing tube was removed overnight and he spoke with teammates on FaceTime.
‘According to the physicians at UCMC, Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight,’ read a statement from the team on Friday.
‘He continues to make remarkable progress in his recovery. His neurologic function remains intact and he is able to communicate with his family and care team.’
