Lions, Falcons stop play and gather in prayer after Morice Norris suffers serious injury

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Moments after Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris left the field in an ambulance during Friday’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons with a serious injury, players from both teams stopped play to gather in the middle of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and join in prayer. 

Norris, 24, was injured early in the fourth quarter when he attempted to tackle Falcons running back Nathan Carter. He remained motionless on the ground after Carter’s leg appeared to make contact with his head during the tackle. 

Atlanta Falcons players pray after their NFL preseason football game was suspended after Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris was injured on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta.  (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The game was delayed as Norris was attended to by medical staff for around 20 minutes before leaving the field in an ambulance. 

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Play resumed shortly after and that’s when the powerful scene unfolded. 

The Falcons appeared to forfeit a snap as players on both sides of the ball stood. The clock continued to run, leaving announcers and fans confused. The players then grabbed hands, bowed their heads and stood in a circle to pray.

"Man, it’s a violent game, and we love it, but when something like this happens, the silver lining is the brotherhood," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said after the game when speaking to the media. "I mean, to see all those guys – from that team, our team – come together and everybody is thinking about another player, it just means a lot." 

Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions players pray after an injury to safety Morice Norris (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at