🔒From the Vault: Detroit Lions lineman Mike Utley paralyzed in game against LA Rams on Nov. 17, 1991
The Detroit Lions were hosting the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 17, 1991 at the Pontiac Silverdome when one of the most devastating moments in Detroit sports history happened.
Lions lineman Mike Utley suffered an injury that left him paralyzed from the chest down. It was an otherwise routine-looking play, but Utley’s injury was due to how his chin landed on the Silverdome turf with a Rams player over top of him.
Here is WDIV Local 4′s coverage of the events in 1991.
The Mike Utley Foundation has been active for decades now in its mission to find a cure for such injuries.
More coverage: Mike Utley page
More: From the Vault section
Copyright 2021 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
Detroit River fire myth: What really happened ▶ 1:25
Detroit River fire myth: What really happened
5 Things Insurance Says that IS NOT TRUE ▶ 0:26
5 Things Insurance Says that IS NOT TRUE
Ceasefire extended: Strait of Hormuz remains closed ▶ 2:45
Ceasefire extended: Strait of Hormuz remains closed
Detroit Pistons' Jalen Duren talks lessons learned for Game 2 ▶ 0:47
Detroit Pistons' Jalen Duren talks lessons learned for Game 2
4 people rescued after boat capsizes in Detroit River ▶ 1:15
4 people rescued after boat capsizes in Detroit River
How going back to work could hurt your case ▶ 0:29
How going back to work could hurt your case
Two families mourning after gas station fight leaves 3 dead ▶ 0:34
Two families mourning after gas station fight leaves 3 dead
Phone-free dining debate on Live In The D ▶ 1:17
Phone-free dining debate on Live In The D
Dispute with city of Detroit puts future of park in question ▶ 0:46
Dispute with city of Detroit puts future of park in question
Flashing stop signs coming to Dearborn Heights roads ▶ 0:30
Flashing stop signs coming to Dearborn Heights roads
Check out Martin County, Florida's over 115k acres of parks and conservation land ▶ 0:15
Check out Martin County, Florida's over 115k acres of parks and conservation land
WATCH OUT When Insurance Makes a Fast Offer ▶ 1:05
WATCH OUT When Insurance Makes a Fast Offer
Four people were rescued Tuesday morning after a boat capsized in the Detroit River ▶ 0:29
Four people were rescued Tuesday morning after a boat capsized in the Detroit River
Water wars game draws police warnings as Michigan seniors compete for cash ▶ 0:36
Water wars game draws police warnings as Michigan seniors compete for cash
Ferry service to Mackinac Island delayed ▶ 0:34
Ferry service to Mackinac Island delayed
Man jumps into action to save girlfriend in crash involving teen driver fleeing MSP ▶ 0:22
Man jumps into action to save girlfriend in crash involving teen driver fleeing MSP
Parents of college students hit with unexpected car insurance rules ▶ 2:21
Parents of college students hit with unexpected car insurance rules
Did you know this about Michigan Humane? ▶ 0:48
Did you know this about Michigan Humane?
Community rallies after deadly double shooting involving teens ▶ 0:37
Community rallies after deadly double shooting involving teens
The House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida is still standing after 150 years ▶ 0:16
The House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida is still standing after 150 years
$300 brick job turns into $1,129 demand ▶ 0:25
$300 brick job turns into $1,129 demand
Tariffs struck down as unconstitutional, businesses can seek refunds ▶ 1:50
Tariffs struck down as unconstitutional, businesses can seek refunds
Pistons on Game 1 loss to the Magic ▶ 1:04
Pistons on Game 1 loss to the Magic
Things you should NEVER do after an accident ▶ 1:04
Things you should NEVER do after an accident
Savion Hiter, Tommy Carr talk learned experiences with Michigan football ▶ 1:03
Savion Hiter, Tommy Carr talk learned experiences with Michigan football
Previous photo Next photo