Mixed emotions for me coming out of the Detroit Lions' preseason game versus the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night in Atlanta.
On the one hand, a former Syracuse football star wide receiver balled out. It was a sight to see. But more importantly, and sadly, Detroit safety Morice Norris was injured in the fourth quarter and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
The injury occurred early on the fourth quarter. After that, in a show of humanity, the two teams agreed to snap the ball and let the clock run out as players gathered around mid-field. Play was suspended, and the Lions would prevail, 17-10.
A powerful moment of Humanity!
— J (@JayTC53) August 9, 2025
After Detroit Lions player Maurice Norris suffered a brutal neck injury and was taken to the hospital from the field.
Both Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons agreed to snap the ball and let the clock run on out on the game with over 12 minutes… pic.twitter.com/lYoK2FJYyR
Late Friday evening, Detroit said this via its X page: "Morice Norris is in stable condition and has feeling and movement in all his extremities. He will remain at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta overnight for observation."
Morice Norris is in stable condition and has feeling and movement in all his extremities. He will remain at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta overnight for observation.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 9, 2025
We would like to thank the Atlanta Falcons organization, the EMS team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the…
Orange Nation sends so much love to Morice.
A former Syracuse football wide receiver had himself a game.
It's tough to even think about the game that was played, given the injury to Norris. However, I do want to highlight the stellar performance of former Orange wide receiver Jackson Meeks. The 6-foot-2, 182-pound Meeks, a native of Phenix City, Ala., caught three passes for 78 yards and one score.
Allen ➡️ Meeks for the lead!#DETvsATL | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/yKC7tM9glw
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 9, 2025
His evening included a beautiful 68-yard catch and run. Next up in the preseason calendar, Detroit will host the Miami Dolphins beginning at 1:00 pm on Saturday, Aug. 16.
JACKSON MEEKS FOR 68#DETvsATL | 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/HOUol2Y0HW
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 9, 2025
Meeks, in college, spent his first three seasons at Georgia. While he saw limited action, the Bulldogs did win two national championships when Meeks was on the roster.
In early December of 2023, SU Athletics formally announced the hire of Georgia defensive backs coach Fran Brown as the Orange's new head coach. Meeks departed the Bulldogs for the 'Cuse, and he had a tremendous senior year on the Hill.
Meeks hauled in 78 receptions for 1,021 yards and seven scores through the air. He led Syracuse football in receiving yards, and was also second within the Atlantic Coast Conference in that category. His pass catches, too, ranked second in the ACC.
The 2024 All-ACC second-team performer, following the 2025 NFL Draft, signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent. The Lions, the No. 1 seed in the NFC during the most recent NFL playoffs, went 15-3 a season ago, falling to the No. 6 seed Washington in the divisional round.