Detroit Lions Safety Morice Norris Stable After Scary Head Injury in Preseason Game Against Atlanta Falcons, Teams Pause Play for Prayer Circle

Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris offered an update on his health via social media on Saturday, stating he is “all good” following a head injury sustained during the team’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday.

Norris posted on Instagram: “Amen, amen. I’m all good man. Don’t stress it. Appreciate all the check ins and love.” He also shared a Bible verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

During the fourth quarter, Norris was taken off the field on a stretcher after a hit to the head while making a tackle. The Lions confirmed that he was in stable condition and had feeling and movement in all his extremities. He spent the night at Grady Memorial Hospital for observation.

The team expressed gratitude towards the Atlanta Falcons organization, the EMS team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the doctors and staff at Grady.

Earlier, Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared a positive update, confirming that Norris was breathing, talking, and had some movement in his extremities.

Coach Campbell expressed emotion over the incident, stating, “It’s an eye opener… It hits a little different and puts things into perspective.” He added that the incident showcased the strong bond between players.

During the tackle attempt on Falcons running back Nathan Carter, Norris was hit in the head by Carter’s knee. He immediately fell to the ground and appeared unconscious. Both teams’ medical staffs attended to him before he was transported via ambulance.

After resuming the game, players from both teams gathered in a circle on the field to pray following a few minutes of discussion. The game clock ran for over eight minutes during this time.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and Campbell mutually decided not to continue playing the game. NFL officials in New York suspended the game due to the serious nature of Norris’ injury.

The Lions were leading 17-10 when play was halted. Both teams expressed support for Norris and his family, with the Falcons releasing a statement saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Morice Norris, his family, and the Lions organization.”

Coach Morris praised Campbell as an “ultimate class act” for their joint decision to not continue the game. The incident brought back memories of a 2023 incident involving Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who experienced a cardiac arrest on the field during a game. In this case, football took a backseat as both teams and fans showed solidarity following Norris’ injury.

The crowd cheered when they realized that the teams had decided to gather in solidarity and let the clock run rather than resuming play after the injury to Morris.