Detroit Lions players, including Aidan Hutchinson, looked shaken earlier this week when Jack Campbell was taken off the field on a stretcher.
Brandon Marshall has witnessed frightening injuries during his football career. One came in 2007, when he was with the Denver Broncos. Teammate Dominic Hixon tackled Kevin Everett, who suffered a serious neck injury. Doctors were unsure whether Everett would walk again, but he eventually did.
Marshall also remembered an incident from his time at UCF, when defensive lineman Paul Carrington was airlifted to a hospital after being hurt in practice ahead of the 2005 season. Carrington returned to play that year and led Conference USA with nine sacks.
Marshall said those moments can leave players stunned and worried about the person who is hurt. But, he added, football teaches players to refocus once the game resumes, even when that is difficult.
The Lions said Monday that initial signs about Campbell’s condition were positive, but they would not share more details out of respect for him and his family. Coach Dan Campbell said the news was encouraging and asked people to keep praying for Jack.
The injury happened after Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught a pass over the middle and was hit by two Lions defenders, including Campbell. Campbell appeared to make contact with his facemask as he fell toward Hockenson.
Campbell went down immediately and remained still, his arms at his sides. He did not need assistance breathing.
Coach Campbell said it was hard to see someone on the field in that condition. Jack, he noted, was not someone who usually stayed down, and seeing him motionless brought home how serious the situation was. Returning attention to the game, he said, was not easy.
