Why Both NFL Teams Stopped the Game to Pray Together

If you were scrolling Friday night, you probably saw it: Lions at Falcons, fourth quarter, and then everything just… paused.

Detroit NFL Player Morice Norris went in to help on a tackle and took a brutal shot to the head. Trainers sprinted out. The cart and ambulance followed. And then, one of those rare NFL moments: players from both teams met at midfield, hand-in-hand, and prayed. Coaches agreed to shut it down with 6:31 left. The scoreboard suddenly didn’t matter; a brother did.

@nfl_me_ #nfl #lions #injury #scary #fyp ♬ original sound – NFL ME

“No matter what you are going through, there is always something to thank God for, and when you do, you will feel His peace.” | Morice Norris

The update we all prayed for came quickly: Norris was hospitalized in stable condition with movement in his extremities, and by the next day, he shared that he was okay and thankful, now in concussion protocol and taking the recovery seriously. Coaches and reporters echoed the same: he’s doing well, and the priority is rest and caution.

The next morning, on his Instagram story, Morice posted 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, pairing gratitude with a health update as he followed concussion precautions. That’s not just a verse; it’s a posture. To choose thanks after a night like that says a lot about Morice and what we can learn from him.

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Football’s had a few of these moments, like Damar Hamlin giving way to prayer at the 50-yard line. Friday night in Atlanta was another reminder that faith and football aren’t living in separate stadiums. When something scary happens, guys who knock each other down for a living, kneel together for something bigger.

This moment of two teams coming together is just another great reminder that there is power in our prayers. If you are looking for an answer, leave a prayer request on the prayer wall and pray for others. Let’s pray together!

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