Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris got seriously injured during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, and moments after he was taken off the field for emergency medical care, members of both teams stopped the game to pray together for Norris’s recovery.
For background, on August 8, 2025, press accounts confirmed that Norris was urgently taken off the field in an ambulance after he got injured while trying to tackle the Falcons’ Nathan Carter. The two players collided, and Norris suffered a blow to the head. Thankfully, the Lions later confirmed in a statement that Norris was in stable condition.
After Norris was rushed off the field, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that he told his team, “We are taking knees, they are, and we are until this thing is over.” He added, “The kid just wants to get better every day. I don’t even know what else to say. We will have some team members stay back. We have some players who want to see him. I know his mom is with him.”
Additionally, Campbell told ESPN that the experience was “an eye-opener,” adding, “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. I mean, to see all those guys from that team, our team kind of come together and everybody’s thinking about another player just means a lot.”
Moreover, Lions quarterback Kyle Allen reflected on the harrowing incident, saying, “It’s just awful. You sign up for football, you understand risk and putting your body on the line, but you never think something like that is going to happen.” He continued, “We’ve all played football our whole lives, and when you’re on that field and see that, you understand how dangerous it really is out there. At the end of the day, we’re all football players.”
In addition, Falcons receiver Casey Washington, who joined in prayer for Norris, explained, “As soon as it happened, I just took a knee and started praying.” Washington added, “I know God is watching out for us. I know he’s got a hand on him. I’m praying for his mom and praying for his family.”
Furthermore, in a story posted on Instagram on August 9, Norris updated fans on his recovery by writing, “Amen Amen I’m all good man don’t stress it.” He added, “Appreciate all the check ins and love.” Moreover, Norris shared 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Sharing footage of the prayer online, the X user J called it a “powerful moment of humanity,” writing, “Both Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons agreed to snap the ball and let the clock run on out on the game with over 12 minutes left in the 4Q.” He added, “The game is officially suspended after the play went on for 6 minutes. Class act by [coaches] Dan Campbell and Raheem Morris.”
Watch the inspiring moment:
Featured image credit: video screengrab