Morice Norris, a 24-year-old linebacker for the Detroit Lions, was injured during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. The incident occurred with 14:50 remaining in the game when Norris attempted to tackle Atlanta rookie Nathan Carter. As a precaution, emergency medical personnel took him off the field in an ambulance.
The mood on the field was somber as Norris was treated for nearly 20 minutes. Members of both teams linked arms in solidarity as they waited for news on their teammate’s condition. Following the young man’s shooting, they placed Norris on a gurney. He was then airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for additional treatment and intensive assessment.
The Lions report that Norris has improved to stable condition since her care was transferred. He’s recovered sensation and motor function in all of his limbs. He calmed the fears of fans with an Instagram story on Saturday morning. He responded with, “I’m good man. Don’t worry about it.” “Thank you for all the love and check ins,” he expressed.
Norris, a Fresno State alum, was signed by the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He spent time on the team’s practice squad before being promoted to the active roster last season, where he appeared in two games. After re-signing with the Lions in January, his goal was to help lead the Lions to a winning season during their first season at BC Place.
After the injury, following the end of the first quarter, Detroit’s head coach Dan Campbell decided to call the game. In doing so, he recognized the seriousness of the issue, saying, “I mean… it’s an eye-opener. It just hits a little different. Campbell conveyed the need to prioritize player safety and the overall emotional burden that these dangerous occurrences can take on all those involved.
“It puts things in perspective. And I’ll tell you what, man, it’s a violent game and we love it. And when something like this happens, the silver lining is … the brotherhood.” – Dan Campbell
Quarterback Kyle Allen said that the mood on the sideline changed completely, post-Norris injury. It hurt them. I mean, no one on that sideline wanted to play. We didn’t take that decision, retailers,” he said. If you peer deeply into each of their souls, you’d know it wasn’t worth it.
And even Falcons head coach Raheem Morris felt it important enough to address his players post-game about the incident. And he underscored how serious that was by saying, ‘That’s somebody’s life, and that’s bigger than football.’ His words reflected the thoughts of many players from both teams who were clearly rattled by what had transpired.
“You look in their eyes, and you saw it, and you get an opportunity to address the team and talk about your prayers and your thoughts for Mo and his family,” – Raheem Morris
Kyle Allen reflected on the moment, expressing concern for Norris’s well-being: “It’s never good when they bring out the stretchers. We just started praying for him and hoping for the best.” He continued that when medical responders spend that long addressing someone’s needs, it exaggerates concerns about their state.
Norris’s injury should remind us all of the sometimes gruesome realities athletes must contend with in contact sports. Players from both teams came together in solidarity during this tragic moment. Their enthusiasm and camaraderie lit up the field, showing everyone that rivals can be friends on the field.
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