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Detroit, MI – A Detroit Lions player, safety Morice Norris, sustained an undisclosed injury during the team’s Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on Saturday, December 23, 2023, prompting both teams to halt play and demonstrate a powerful display of unity.
The incident occurred with 6:13 remaining in the third quarter. Both the Lions and Falcons agreed to end the game prematurely, foregoing any attempt to resume play. Lions Head Coach Dan campbell described the decision as a mutual one, emphasizing Norris’s character.
“We agreed it just didn’t feel right to finish that game and that man is a class act, always has been,” Campbell stated after the game.
The gesture evoked memories of the January 2, 2023, game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, where Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field. That event led to the suspension of the game and sparked widespread concern for Hamlin’s well-being.
Fans at Ford Field responded with applause and cheers when they understood the teams’ decision to prioritize solidarity over continuing the game. The Lions were leading the Falcons 24-12 at the time the game was stopped.
The atlanta Falcons released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) expressing their support for Norris, his family, and the Lions organization. Norris, a 26-year-old safety, is in his second season with the Lions, having previously played for the Los Angeles Rams. He has recorded 26 total tackles and one interception this season.
This story has been updated with additional details regarding the game situation and player details.
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