Detroit Lions safety Morris Norris expressed his gratitude on social media Saturday for the support he received after being taken off the field in an ambulance during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. Norris shared a repost featuring a biblical verse and added his own message of thanks, writing “Amen Amen” and “I don’t stress all good guys” on his Instagram story.
Norris was reported to be in stable condition after receiving medical attention for about 20 minutes on the field late Friday night before being transported to a hospital in Atlanta. The 24-year-old was injured in the game with 14:50 remaining in the period after aggressively tackling Falcons running back Nathan Carter. After the play resumed, the game was suspended with the Lions leading 17-10 and ultimately not finished, as coaches from both teams agreed it was not appropriate to continue.
This preseason game marked the second consecutive year an NFL preseason match was cut short due to serious player injuries, following similar incidents involving Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden and Dolphins receiver Daewood Davis earlier in the 2023 preseason. These injuries occurred months after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hinshelwood needed resuscitation during a regular-season game in January 2023.
Lions quarterback Kyle Allen reflected on the risks inherent in football, emphasizing the solidarity among players despite being on different teams. The report highlights ongoing concerns about player safety in the NFL, especially during preseason games.
Fan Take: This news underscores the persistent issue of player safety in the NFL, particularly during preseason matches where the stakes are high but the risk can sometimes outweigh the reward. NFL fans should pay attention to how the league addresses these concerns, as the health and well-being of players are crucial to the sport’s future and its integrity.