NFL Game Ends with Powerful Moment of Prayer after Scary Injury
A frightening moment in an NFL game Friday turned into a powerful display of faith as players from both teams gathered at midfield and joined hands in prayer. The preseason game between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons took a frightening turn when Lions cornerback Morice Norris was injured during a tackle, his head snapping back before he lay motionless on the field. Medical staff rushed to his side, and within seconds, trainers brought out a backboard. About 20 minutes later, he was taken from the field by ambulance.
At the time, the Lions led 17-10 with 14:50 left in the game.
But instead of resuming play once the field was cleared, players from the Falcons offense and Lions defense gathered at midfield, joining hands in a circle for a moment of prayer as the crowd cheered. Soon, officials from the NFL and both teams agreed to call the game.
This is powerful.
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) August 9, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons forfeited a snap, ending the down with a prayer in their preseason game vs Detroit, after Lions safety Morice Norris was stretched off after a serious head injury. pic.twitter.com/HhaVj44ZLz
Others were praying, too,
"Prayers up for Morice Norris," former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell said after the game that Norris was breathing, talking and had some movement. On Monday, Campbell said Norris had been discharged from the hospital and was back at the team's facility -- but in concussion protocol.
"It's good to have him back. He's good," Campbell said, according to PrideofDetroit.com. "... We're going to take it nice and easy here, make sure he's good over the next, call it 10-14 days, and reassess."
Prayers up for Morice Norris 🙏🏾
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 9, 2025
Taken away in an ambulance after a hit to the head.
The players got together at midfield and let the clock run out as they prayed for Norris. pic.twitter.com/4yGBGV9hUC
Norris played college football for Fresno State and went undrafted in 2024 before signing with the Lions as part of their practice squad. He was then elevated to the active squad and played in two games last season.
He's vocal about his Christian faith on social media. Hours before Friday's game, he posted a devotional on his Instagram story, declaring: "Trust Jesus With What's Ahead."
"Life can feel uncertain when we think about the future, but Jesus calls us to trust Him with every step we take," the devotional on Norris' Instagram read. "He already knows what is coming, and nothing will surprise Him. When we let go of our worries and place our confidence in Him, we can walk forward with peace instead of fear. The road ahead may have twists and turns, but His hand will guide us through it all. Trusting Jesus means believing that His plan is better than ours and that He will never leave us on our own."
He also posted a verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).
Photo Credit: ©X/Jon Root
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published August 11, 2025.
