Football match between Lions and Falcons suspended due to Morice Norris Jr.'s evacuation in an ambulance
Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris Jr. suffered a severe head and neck injury during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on August 9, 2025. The incident occurred on the first play of the fourth quarter when Falcons running back Nathan Carter took a handoff and went into the Detroit secondary.
Norris immediately went to the turf, and Lions trainers rushed onto the field. Carter's right knee struck Norris in the head during the tackle, causing his head to snap backward and triggering what appeared to be a seizure on the field. Norris lay motionless for about 20 minutes while medical staff treated him. He was then immobilized and taken off the field by ambulance to a local hospital in stable condition, with feeling and movement in all extremities.
The Lions-Falcons game was suspended with the teams allowing the clock to run down before the official suspension was announced. Falcons quarterback Emory Jones walked to the middle of the field, and players from both teams formed a circle and prayed on the ensuing play after Norris' injury.
Norris spent Friday night hospitalized and was later released on Saturday, returning to the Lions’ facility on Sunday. He is currently undergoing more tests at a hospital and is in concussion protocol. The team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery, with recovery expected to take 10-14 days.
Coach Dan Campbell stated that Norris is breathing, talking, and has some movement. He also noted the display of camaraderie among players from both teams following the incident. Norris himself reassured fans via social media that he was okay and thanked supporters.
Norris, 24, appeared in two games for the Lions last year after signing as an undrafted free agent. Prior to joining the Lions, Norris played two seasons at Fresno State (2022-23) after spending two seasons in junior college. With the Lions, Norris had 116 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 17.5 tackles for loss.
Campbell described the incident as an "eye-opener" and a reminder of the violent nature of the game. He praised the team's relief at seeing Norris back and expressed hope for a speedy recovery. The Lions won the game 17-10.
The preseason game between the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons was suspended in the fourth quarter, and Norris was put in an ambulance and taken to an area hospital. The Lions and the NFL have not yet announced a decision on whether Norris will be placed on the injured reserve list or if he will be able to play in the regular season.
- Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell praised the display of camaradie among players from both teams following the injury suffered by safety Morice Norris Jr.
- Norris, a 24-year-old player who had 116 tackles and 17.5 tackles for loss with the Lions, is currently undergoing more tests at a hospital and is in concussion protocol.
- The Lions' coach, Dan Campbell, described the incident as an "eye-opener" and a reminder of the violent nature of American football.
- During a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, Norris, a former Fresno State player, suffered a severe head and neck injury that caused him to lay motionless for about 20 minutes on the field.
- The Lions won the game 17-10, even though the game was suspended in the fourth quarter due to Norris' injury.
- Norris spent Friday night hospitalized and was later released on Saturday, returning to the Lions’ facility on Sunday, with the team taking a cautious approach to his recovery, expecting it to take 10-14 days.
- The NFL and the Lions have not yet announced a decision on whether Norris will be placed on the injured reserve list or if he will be able to play in the regular season, as he is currently seeking medical treatment for neurological disorders related to the injury.
