The NFL world is praying Friday night for Detroit Lions defensive back Morice Norris after he was taken from his team’s preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons via ambulance.
Norris suffered what looked to be a serious injury when he came up to make a tackle on Falcons running back Nathan Carter at the 12:32 mark of the fourth quarter. The second-year cornerback out of Fresno State came in low to try to make the tackle, but his face appeared to slam into Carter’s thigh, snapping his head back as he fell to the turf.
Morris appeared to be knocked unconscious on the play.
Both teams came together to pray on the field as Norris received significant medical attention. The teams then decided to let the clock run out after he was taken from the field.
Video from outside the stadium showed fans praying for him as well.
“He’s at the hospital and I’ll just have to leave it at that,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said postgame. “But obviously something like that happens, it puts things in perspective. So, we are just praying for Mo. I asked everybody to pray for him.
Lions-Falcons preseason
Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris (26) is hit in the helmet by Atlanta Falcons running back Nathan Carter (38) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)AP
“He’s breathing, he’s talking … that’s good,” Campbell added. “He’s got some movement, and now they are running more tests.”
Campbell showed his appreciation for Falcons coach Raheem Morris and his handling of the situation as well.
“He’s the ultimate class act,” Campbell said. “So, you know, we agreed that it just didn’t feel right to finish that game. That man is a class act. Always has been.
“The silver lining is now the brotherhood,” Campbell added. “To see all those guys from that team, our team kind of come together, and everybody is thinking about another player. Just means a lot, you know.”
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