DETROIT – Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris is showing signs of hope after a frightening injury during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons Friday night.
Norris posted on social media expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“[Amen, amen. I’m all good man. Don’t stress it. Appreciate all the check ins and love,]” he wrote.
The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter when Norris took a knee during a play.
Both teams later knelt arm in arm on the field, praying for his recovery.
Lions fans shared their concern and encouragement.
“It was a bad injury,” Angela Jackson said. “I was kind of worried. I was touched by displaying the players on the field, and that made me feel really good.”
Grant Davey added, “Prayers to him and his family, and I hope to you see out there soon again.”
Dr. Solomon Cogan, a spinal injury specialist who served as the Lions’ team chiropractor from 2000 to 2014, explained the severity of the injury.
He described how Norris’s head was down during the tackle, straightening the cervical curve in his neck that normally helps absorb shock. The impact caused axial compression, a dangerous force that can damage the brain and spinal cord.
“His legs started to shake. It’s almost like a seizure. That is a reaction to the neurons in the brain kind of going crazy from your brain getting jostled around. That tells us there’s definitely some brain or spinal cord trauma,” Dr. Cogan said.
Despite the severity, Norris regained consciousness and movement in all extremities, which are positive signs.
However, Dr. Cogan cautioned that Norris is not out of the woods yet.
He explained that Norris will likely enter a concussion protocol, a careful process to monitor brain injury recovery. Other injuries such as disc herniation may require time and testing to assess.
Fans remain hopeful and supportive as Norris begins his recovery journey.
Jackson said, “The Lions don’t do anything easy. They have setbacks, but they’re going all the way this year.”
Davey added, “With new coordinators and offensive weapons, it’s super exciting. We just hope for a better playoff run.”
Dr. Cogan emphasized the importance of safety in football, especially for young players. He shared his personal experience as a parent and former NFL chiropractor, urging players to keep their heads up and listen to coaches.
“One little mistake can change the rest of their life,” he said.
The Lions organization continues to monitor Norris’s condition closely as fans and teammates rally behind him.