Prayer Circle Forms After Scary Pre-Season Injury — Entire Game Suspended
on Aug 11, 2025
Preseason NFL Game Postponed After Player Is Injured
A preseason game between the Lions and Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was suspended in the fourth quarter after Detroit safety Morice Norris was taken off the field in an ambulance.
Norris sustained the injury while attempting to tackle Atlanta rookie Nathan Carter with 14:50 remaining in the fourth quarter. He led with his face mask into Carter’s midsection, and upon impact, his head snapped backward.
He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta and is in stable condition, the Lions said in a statement, noting that he has “feeling and movement in all his extremities.”
“We would like to thank the Atlanta Falcons organization, the EMS team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the doctors and staff at Grady for their support,” the Lions said.
Norris is now in concussion protocol and reportedly doing well.
“We’re going to take it nice and easy here to make sure he’s good over the next 10 to 14 days and reassess,” Campbell said. “That’s good news.”
Teams Unite In Prayer Following The Incident
The Falcons appeared to forgo a snap as players on both sides stood still, while the game clock continued to run, causing confusion among fans and commentators. Players from both teams then paused and joined in prayer.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared that at the end of the day, the bond the players share is what maters most.
“Man, it’s a violent game, and we love it, but when something like this happens, the silver lining is the brotherhood,” Campbell said. “I mean, to see all those guys – from that team, our team – come together and everybody is thinking about another player, it just means a lot.”
Campbell said he and Falcons head coach Raheem Morris agreed that the game was not going to continue out of respect for Norris and everyone involved.
“When something like that happens, it puts things in perspective,” Campbell added. “I’m just praying for Mo. I ask that everybody prays for him.”
Players Pray For Teammates
During a game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals in 2023, Damar Hamlin tackled Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on a seemingly routine play. Immediately after the tackle, Hamlin suddenly collapsed on the field.
Players, coaches, and fans across the league immediately began praying for his recovery.
The Bills gathered in a prayer circle on the field while medical staff worked, and many teams held moments of silence or prayer before their next games.
Over the following days, Hamlin’s condition improved steadily. He regained consciousness and responded positively to treatment, inspiring hope throughout the football community.
