On August 8, 2025, a preseason game between the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was suspended with 6:19 remaining in the fourth quarter due to a serious head injury sustained by Lions cornerback Morice Norris.
A 24-year-old former Orange Coast CB collapsed on the field during a play, and medical personnel quickly arrived to help. The incident occurred on the first play of the fourth quarter, with Detroit leading 17-10 and 14:50 left in the game.
Norris was Injured While Attempting to Tackle Falcons Running Back Nathan Carter on a Run Play
During the tackle, Norris collided with Carter, likely hitting his head on either Carter’s body or the ground and causing him to collapse immediately. Medical staff rushed to his help, and he was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta by ambulance for further check-up and treatment.
In a postgame update, the Lions provided a positive Norris injury update through Twitter, formerly X, stating,
Morice Norris is in stable condition and has feeling and movement in all his extremities. He will remain at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta overnight for observation.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 9, 2025
We would like to thank the Atlanta Falcons organization, the EMS team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the…
During the postgame news conference, Lions head coach Dan Campbell also shared that Norris was receiving treatment at the hospital but did not share specific details about his condition.
Campbell said,
“He’s at the hospital… He’s breathing, he’s talking, he has some movement, and now they’re running more tests
Via Youtube
He also requested fans and the football community to keep Norris in their thoughts, adding,
“So, Just praying for MO, I ask that everybody pray for
Via Youtube
him.
Rather than continuing to play through the rest of the quarter, both teams agreed to suspend the game with 6:19 remaining, choosing to run out the clock rather than continue play.
Additionally, Campbell described the incident as an “eye-opener” and put the sport into perspective.
“It is an eye opener. It hits a little different, and it puts things in perspective”
Via Youtube
The Lions’ coach highlighted a strong sense of brotherhood in the NFL, indicating the close bonds among players.
“Man, it’s a violent game, and we love it. But when stuff like this happens, the silver lining is the brotherhood.
Via Youtube
To see all those guys, from that team, our team, kind of come together and everybody is thinking about another player, it just means a lot.”
The update on Norris’s injury has affected players, coaches, and fans, reminding everyone of the dangers of football.
Recently, a 2024 updrafted CB shared an update on his official Instagram, saying he’s doing well and appreciates all the check-ins and support from fans.
As Norris is still being watched by medical staff, the football community has come together to support him, hoping he makes a full recovery ASAP.
