Former Sanger High/Fresno State standout Morice Norris in hospital after injury
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Morice Norris sustained a head or neck injury during Lions-Falcons preseason game.
- Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed Norris is breathing, talking and moving.
- Norris signed after 2024 draft; teammates plan to remain in Atlanta for support.
Former Sanger High/Fresno State standout was taken to the hospital during the Detroit Lions’ preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Norris appeared to have a head or neck injury during the fourth quarter.
In an update by the Lions, 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.
Following the injury, both teams met at midfield and said a prayer for Norris.
The game resumed before Falcons quarterback Emory Jones took a snap and took a knee and the game was suspended by the NFL.
In a news conference, Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters “he’s breathing. He’s talking. It’s good. He’s got some movement. Now, they’re running more tests.”
Norris was an undrafted free agent before signing with the Lions following the 2024 NFL draft.
At Fresno State, he played two seasons in 2022-2023 and had 116 tackles (78 solo) and 17.5 tackles for loss. He also had 16 pass defenses, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one sack.
Norris appeared in two NFL regular season games last season.
Campbell shared what Norris meant to the team and whether any member of the organization will remain in Atlanta with Norris.
“We’ve got some guys that have taken ‘Mo’ under their wing. Kerby (Joseph), (Brian) Branch and those guys. He’s like a little brother to them. He’s somebody that wants to be a part of that group, comes in and works hard in year two looking for the growth. The kid just wants to get better every day. I don’t even know what else to say, to be honest with you.
“Some members that are going to stay back. We have some players I know will want to see him. We’re going to take care of him. I know his mom’s with him, which is awesome. It’s good to hear.”
