In a shocking turn of events during a preseason game in Atlanta, Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris was injured and subsequently taken off the field in an ambulance. The game was suspended early after Norris was attended to for approximately 20 minutes. As of now, he is reported to be in stable condition, with feeling and movement in all his extremities, according to a statement from the Lions.
Morice Norris will remain overnight at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for observation. The Lions organization expressed their gratitude towards the Atlanta Falcons, the EMS team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the medical staff at Grady for their assistance during this critical situation. Norris sustained his injury while attempting to tackle running back Nathan Carter with 14:50 remaining in the game.
As play resumed, Falcons quarterback Emory Jones took a snap, but the game atmosphere shifted significantly as both teams stood still at the line of scrimmage. The officials announced the suspension of the game with the Lions leading 17-10 with 6:31 left on the clock. Lions head coach Dan Campbell urged fans to pray for the 24-year-old Norris, emphasizing the emotional toll this incident had on the team. “We’re just praying for Mo and ask that everybody prays for him,” Campbell stated.
At the hospital, Norris was accompanied by his mother, providing him with crucial support during this challenging time. The former Fresno State player, who is listed as Detroit's second-team safety, suffered the injury when his facemask collided with Carter’s midsection, causing his head to snap back upon impact.
Lions quarterback Kyle Allen reflected on the gravity of the situation, noting the prompt response from medical personnel. “It’s never good when they bring out the stretchers,” Allen remarked, highlighting the seriousness of Norris’s condition. He added, “When it’s taking that long, with that many people and that many trainers around him, you're just hoping for the best.” Allen's commentary underlines the inherent risks involved in playing professional football.
Both Campbell and Falcons coach Raheem Morris made the decision to not resume the game, emphasizing the respect and empathy that exists within the sport. “Raheem Morris is a class act,” Campbell stated. “We agreed it just didn't feel right to finish that game.” Morris acknowledged the difficulty of witnessing a teammate suffer an injury and confirmed that the decision was made out of common courtesy to the players involved.
Allen echoed this sentiment, stating that the choice to suspend the game was clear. “I don't think anyone on that sideline wanted to play,” he said, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment.
The decision to suspend the game, although dramatic, is not without precedent. Earlier in August 2023, two preseason games were also called off due to player injuries. The New England Patriots faced a similar situation when cornerback Isaiah Bolden was carted off during their game against the Green Bay Packers. In another instance, a game between the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars was halted after receiver Daewood Davis was injured.
As the Lions and their fans rally around Morice Norris, the focus remains on his recovery and the collective well-being of players across the league. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks involved in professional football and the support systems that are critical during such unforeseen circumstances.
